How can a nursing assistant help with normal aging changes related to the integumentary system?

While keeping sheets wrinkle-free can contribute to comfort and prevent skin irritation, the most effective way a nursing assistant can support the integumentary system during the aging process is to ensure adequate hydration. As people age, their skin naturally becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic, making it more susceptible to damage and irritation.

Adequate hydration helps maintain skin elasticity and overall skin health, reducing the risk of tears, pressure injuries, and other skin issues. In addition, hydration is critical for various bodily functions, which supports overall well-being in elderly individuals.

Providing daily massages, keeping sheets wrinkle-free, or using moisturizer can have benefits, but they do not address the fundamental need for hydration, which is crucial for maintaining skin integrity and promoting healing. Thus, ensuring that residents have access to sufficient fluids is a primary way to support skin health as they age.