5 Reasons for Unexplained Bruising in Seniors
In this blog, let’s look at 5 reasons why many older people experience unexplained bruising, and what you can do to help prevent it.
Elderly Skin Bruising
For many people as they age, their skin becomes thinner and less elastic, which can result in bruising. There are a number of reasons why unexplained bruising occurs in seniors, and it’s important to be informed about the topic to help keep them safe and healthy. In this blog, let’s look at 5 reasons why many older people experience unexplained bruising, and what you can do to help prevent it.
What is a Bruise?
A bruise or what is also known as a contusion results from an impact to the skin that causes blood to pool underneath it. Bruises normally appear red at first, but can change to a black or dark purple color in time.
Medications
There are certain medications such as blood thinners, anticoagulants, and aspirin that can increase the chances of bruises occurring. According to the Mayo Clinic, these types of medications can decrease the body’s natural blood clotting capabilities. If your loved one is experiencing excessive bruising from the effects of medication, it’s important to seek advice from their doctor.
![Senior woman climbing staircase with difficulty](https://frontiermgmt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/iStock-1272457458-1024x683.jpg)
Falls
One of the most serious threats to an older person’s health are injuries resulting from a fall. Not only can falls cause bruising, but also more serious problems like head injuries and broken bones.
In many cases, falls can be prevented at home by providing your loved one with a cane, or walker to use while moving around. Installing adequate lighting around the house, putting grab bars in the bathroom, and clearing walking paths from obstructions are also great ways to avoid accidents.
Elder Abuse
Sadly, unexplained bruises can also appear on older people because of physical abuse. According to the National Council on Aging, about 10% of people over the age of 60 in the United States are victims of elder abuse. Elder abuse is committed by both men and women. In nearly 60% of the cases, the abuser is a member of a senior’s family.
If you suspect that your loved one might be a victim of elder abuse, immediate action must be taken. Some seniors are afraid to reveal details about abuse, so do all you can to get to the bottom of any problems that are occurring.
![Elderly man holding an elderly woman while sitting on the couch](https://frontiermgmt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/iStock-1357522267-1-1024x683.jpg)
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Certain Illnesses or Conditions
Certain physical ailments can also cause unexplainable bruising in older people, such as clotting disorders, liver disease, diabetes, or anemia.
If you think your loved one might have an underlying medical condition that is not being addressed, take them to the doctor right away. Simple blood testing can help to figure out if bruising is being caused by an untreated illness.
Poor Lifestyle Habits or Nutrition
Lifestyle choices such as smoking can cause excessive bruising, as it reduces the body’s ability to produce collagen, a key factor in bruise prevention. Nutrition can also play a role in bruising. Be sure that your loved one is getting plenty of Vitamin C in their food or through supplements, which boosts collagen production.
Minimizing Bruising in Seniors
Helping your loved one minimize or prevent bruising is critical to their overall well-being. By understanding how medications affect bruising, preventing falls, looking for signs of elder abuse, discovering untreated illness with the help of a doctor, and addressing poor lifestyle or nutritional choices, you will play a very positive role in their long-term health.
The compassionate and knowledgeable team at Frontier Senior Living has helped many families find the perfect Senior Living community to meet their loved one’s specific needs.
If you would like to learn more about our services, we cordially invite you to visit one of our wonderful communities, take a tour, and speak to our staff.
Frontier Senior Living is Here to Help
The friendly and highly knowledgeable staff at Frontier develop medical care plans that meet the unique needs of each residents. We monitor each resident’s health, so we can both prevent and treat infection should one occur.
If you have any questions about sepsis, or what the best course of action would be for your older loved, one, we are happy to help. If you would like to learn more about our services, we cordially invite you to contact us today.
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