Age-related changes mean unique hair care needs

 

As with just about everything, hair changes with age. Over time, the fibers in your hair thin and fall out, especially if it’s been dyed or color treated over the years. Pigment cells stop producing and hormones that once stimulated hair fibers weaken. Fortunately, there are methods that can help maintain you or an elderly loved one’s hair to keep it looking and feeling healthy.
Elder hair care can also mean less hair care

 

Interestingly enough, a key to maintaining the health of aging hair is to clean it less. It’s still important to maintain a daily hygiene routine, but skipping a hair wash every day or two can provide benefits outside of reducing the regular demands that come with washing and drying it.

 

Since your loved one is not necessarily participating in as many strenuous activities as he or she once did, their hair doesn’t need to be washed as often. Depending on their activity level, some elderly individuals may not need to wash their hair more than once a week. Meanwhile, prolonging the periods between a wash causes a buildup of oils which helps moisturize the scalp and make the hair appear thicker.
Healthy hair means healthy eating

 

It’s important to get daily servings of nutrients, and including hair-healthy foods into the diet will play an integral role in an elder hair care routine. Foods that are rich in iron, B12, and omega-3 fatty acids – such as salmon, eggs, and spinach – will help your loved one reduce hair loss and maintain healthy hair.
Have the right variety of products for your elder’s hair

 

As a caregiver, you’ll need to pay extra special attention to the ingredients in your senior’s hair products. Try to err on the side of simplicity – with products that contain as few ingredients as possible – and safety when choosing between shampoos, conditioners, and other hair care products.

 

Be sure to choose products that won’t irritate your loved one’s skin or scalp. You’ll also want to consider products that will make it easier to maintain hair independently. These could include leave-in conditioners and dry shampoo to further extend the time between hair washing. Detangling spray can also be easier for your senior to apply instead of conditioner.
The first step in managing aging hair is determining what your loved one can do

 

Before you begin the process of developing an elder hair care plan and purchasing products, the first step should be asking (or observing) what your loved one is actually able to do on their own. If they are still able to take care of their hair, you can get them the right products and work through an easy schedule that can help them maintain a daily or weekly routine.

 

On the other hand, if your aging loved one tires easily or has less stability lifting their arms, you may need to take a larger role in maintaining their hair care routine. If you notice (or your loved one admits) that help is needed it might be time to consider a caregiver to provide additional assistance. While your senior might not need to wash their hair daily, they will still need some support combing and fixing themselves up each day.
At-home care can give your senior safe independence

 

If you are concerned about your loved one’s safety or comfort, a professional caregiver might be your next best option. FirstLantic Healthcare offers hourly, daily, and overnight care to accommodate every senior’s individual needs.

 

For over 18 years, FirstLantic has been providing the highest level of home healthcare services to families in Broward, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Martin Counties. To learn more about whether home healthcare is the best option for you and your loved one, call us at 877-618-3624 or fill out our online contact form today.
Written by Bart Delsing