Dry skin is common with aging. That doesn’t mean you should ignore it. If your mom has dry skin, talk to her doctor. Make sure it’s not a sign of dehydration or an underlying health condition. If it’s not, what can you do? What works best to ease dry skin?

Make Sure She’s Hydrated

Make sure your mom is drinking enough water every day. A goal is two liters per day. She may not be able to drink all of that, but it’s a good goal. You could also boost foods with a high water content like watermelon, berries, and celery.

If you struggle to get your mom to drink enough water, make it more appealing. Add a slice of lemon or orange to plain water to give it a pleasing aroma. Boil water, add herbal tea bags and let it cool. Transfer the tea to a pitcher that’s stored in the refrigerator for iced tea throughout the day.

Skip Expensive Moisturizers

Many moisturizers are packed with chemicals. Aim for natural ones or make your own. You could make a moisturizing body spray using distilled water, vegetable glycerine, sweet almond oil, vitamin E oil, and essential oils in scents your mom loves. There are many recipes online for homemade moisturizing sprays.

Coconut oil is often sold in single-use packages. Lay those around the house. Your mom can open one up and moisturize her legs, arms, and hands throughout the day.

If you don’t have time to make a moisturizer, look for products that are recommended by dermatologists. Cetaphil, CeraVe, and Weleda are three brands that are easy to find in stores and get a lot of praise.

Don’t Take Super Hot Baths

Make sure your mom isn’t taking very hot baths and showers. When water is too hot, it can dry the skin. Keep showers warm without being too hot. If she insists on hot showers, purchase a moisturizing body wash or in-shower moisturizer that helps trap the moisture before she gets out and dries off.

Pay Attention to Fatty Acids in Foods

Omega-3 fatty acids can help the skin. Make sure your mom is eating foods that are rich in fatty acids. Examples are sardines, tuna, mackerel, salmon, flax seeds, and walnuts. At the very least, ask her doctor if she should take fish oil supplements.

If your mom is struggling with personal care, it’s time to bring in caregivers. If she can’t reach all of her body to dry it off and apply moisturizers, caregivers can help her. Caregivers help with bathing, grooming, and hygiene. They can also make sure she’s staying hydrated. Call an agency to learn more.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Homecare in Johns Creek, GA, and surrounding areas. Call (770) 965.4004 for more information.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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