These Bruises

[Fancyteacup]

My grandparent rather than parent. Nan passed last year, and after that grandad had private carers 9-5, with my mum and her siblings plugging the gaps. The money started to run out so grandad has gone into a care home with the house being sold to fund this. Visited yesterday and his arms are covered in these bruises. When we asked a carer why, she said it’s where they have to lift him and hold onto him. I imagine older people do bruise much more easily but this seems quite extreme, would anyone agree? We didn’t notice bruising like this with the carers at home.

I’m a nurse and although I don’t anymore, used to have to lift people. There’s no reason they’d have to touch the tops of the arms like this. Are there any other bruises?

It is an odd place for bruises due to lifting. I was never trained to lift people by their forearms.

Is he on any steroid medication? They thin the skin and can cause the type of bruises in your picture.

Arnica cream will help them heal. Otherwise nanny cam in his room?

To be honest I’ve not seen legs etc to look for bruises yet. He is on various different medications so that is a good point and I will ask the question re steroid meds. Thank you

Is he taking blood thinners?

MIL used to bruise if you so much as looked at her (or so it felt), it was a combo of always being susceptible to bruising plus her meds. I'd get it checked out as there are some conditions that cam lead to very easy bruising and MIL had several blood tests to rule other conditions out. Those blood tests left her with massive bruises.

He used to be on blood thinners, but not for a long time.

After being on steroids for 18 months, my skin bruises (and tears) really easily. My arms permanently look like this. They don't hurt at all. I can bruise just from dressing, putting a backpack on or being pawed at by the dog. Unless he is in pain, I would not worry too much. The bruising happens because the collagen has come out of the skin.

i definitely feel encouraged that this might be medication related, thank you

My elderly parent can bruise like this just getting dressed. They do have paper-thin skin and the slightest knock or bump, this will happen. It doesn't seem to hurt them though. I have seen it before in other elderly people.

How old are they?

He’s 97

Op, just had exactly this with 92 year old DF recently but actually more extensive, not patchy like in your photos. He's in a care home. The gp confirmed it's due to his blood thinners but also said it can happen due to age and skin being very thin when you're elderly.

Thanks everyone, really appreciate it!

This is not acceptable. Yes elderly skin is fragile but the carers shouldn't be 'lifting' him at all! If he's struggling to stand they should be using the appropriate equipment to support him. The carers should be fully trained in using a range of standing aids etc for the resident's and their own safety. You should maybe discuss with the manager

It’s definitely something I would take further and seek medical advice as it is a new issue. It could be caused by medication, age or it could be a symptom of something else.