Bedsore Prevention

Causes

Bedsores (decubitus ulcers) can develop in seniors who are bedridden or wheelchair bound. This occurs when tiny blood vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin become pinched by pressure from bones coming into contact with the skin. This in turn causes the tissue to die and then ulcers can form. Other causes may be:

--malnutrition

--atrophy (the loss of muscle from lack of use)

--anemia

--infections

It is important to try to prevent these sores from happening in the first place. These sores can become infected damaging muscle, tissues, and even bones. this can lead to infection, septis, and even death.

The most common areas of affliction:

--shoulders

--ankles

--heels

--hips

--knees

--spine

--lower back

--back of head

It is imperative that your senior be checked for skin ulcers daily. A good time to do this is during their dressing time or during bathing. Care must be taken to keep their skin moist by applying some moisturizer.

Do not massage it in but simply apply it to the surface of their skin. Any rubbing or massaging could accidentally tear the skin. Look for any shiny red spots, blisters, or anything else that does not look normal. If your senior does develop a bed sore you need to notify your doctor right away. A course of action can then be decided upon.

Prevention tips

--Lift the person into position do not drag.

For seniors who are bedridden:

--protect body parts by cushions placed on top of a mattress.

--a mattress that is water filled or other type of mattress that distributes pressure to the body evenly would be helpful.

--sheepskin pads add loft and cushion the body.

--pillows can keep your senior's body parts from touching and rubbing each other there by relieving pressure. Put them between ankles, knees. Use them to keep heels off of bed by placing them under calves. The main thing here is to evenly distribute their weight across the mattress so that pressure is not put on the bonier parts of their body.

For seniors in wheelchairs:

--place a special cushion in the seat for them to sit on.

--a pillow placed between the legs is helpful, and a pillow behind the head are all good ideas. You do not want to be restricting the blood flow in any way.

Again, if anything looks suspicious call the doctor right away. You don't want your senior to suffer in any way. It is always better to prevent bedsores from happening in the first place.

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