Approximately 2 percent of the total population of the United States, around 7.5 million people, are currently living with psoriasis. This condition causes the life cycle of the skin cells to increase, resulting in the excessive growth of these cells and their buildup on the surface of the skin. Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of this condition enables you to tell when your loved one has developed the condition or if they are going through a flare up so that you can make the care decisions that are right for your senior.
Some of the signs and symptoms of psoriasis include:
- Patches of red skin that have a layer of silvery scales
- Thickening of areas of the skin
- Small scaly spots on specific areas of the body
- Joints that are stiff and swollen when not affected by other diseases or conditions
- Skin that is dry and cracked
- Soreness on specific areas of the skin
- An itching or burning sensation on the skin
- Nails that appear thickened, ridged, or pitted
It is important to note that while psoriasis is a chronic condition, it tends to be cyclical. This means that your parent will not have symptoms all the time. Instead, they will likely go through periods of several weeks or even months when they will have the symptoms and then they will enter a period when the symptoms will lessen significantly or disappear completely. The goal of treatment is not to cure psoriasis, as this is not possible with current interventions, but rather than reduce the frequency and the severity of the flare ups. If your parent is showing signs of psoriasis, do not hesitate to get them in to see their doctor. This will allow them to get a proper diagnosis of one of the forms of psoriasis and get on the course of treatment and management that is right for them.
Starting elder care for your aging loved one can be one of the best ways for you to ensure that they get all of the care that they need while also encouraging them to pursue a high quality of life as they age in place. An elderly home care services provider can be there with your parent on a customized schedule to ensure that their needs are met and their individual challenges and limitations are addressed in the way that is right for them. By being with them when they most need them to be, this care provider can ensure that you are able to remain as directly involved in their care as you can be while filling care gaps and supporting your parent’s ongoing independence and autonomy. Highly personalized services mean that your parent will get exactly what they need, when they need it for the best quality of life possible throughout their later years. As a family caregiver, knowing that your senior will have all of the care and support that they need when you are there to care for them and when you are not, enabling them to live the lifestyle that they desire and deserve.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional elderly care in San Francisco, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/symptoms-causes/dxc-20233899
http://blog.arthritis.org/psoriatic-arthritis/psoriatic-arthritis-psoriasis/
https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriatic-arthritis
http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/psoriatic-arthritis/self-care.php
- Do You Need Help with Personal Care for Your Senior? - September 16, 2019
- Causes and Risk Factors for Shingles in the Elderly - September 12, 2019
- Five Reasons Your Senior Might Need a Daily Routine - September 5, 2019
