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It's no secret that preventing bedsores in the elderly is much easier than healing them.
According to the National Institute of Nursing Research, pressure ulcers afflict around 2 million people in the United States annually. Approximately 95% of those cases occur in individuals over 65.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to preventing bedsores in the elderly. But caregivers can follow some practical tips to reduce the risks.
Today, we will continue our discussion on preventing bedsores in the elderly.
Let's get started!
Anyone can get pressure ulcers. However, some people are more at risk than others, especially those with limited mobility.
As mentioned in my blog post last week, those who are 60 years old and older are more at risk compared to other age groups.
But pressure ulcers can also happen to those confined in bed following surgery, spinal cord injury or illness.
People who are obese are also more at risk of pressure ulcers.
Those who suffer from bowel or urinary incontinence are also more prone to bedsores due to moisture-associated skin damage (MASD).
Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, kidney failure, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson's disease make it more likely for one to experience sores.
These conditions can affect the blood flow and cause the skin to become more fragile.
Poor nutrition and hydration may also cause the skin to break more easily, leading to bedsores.
As a caregiver, the more you are aware of this, the better you can take care of your seniors. This way, you can avoid having to deal with bed sores altogether.
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are a common and costly problem among the elderly.
These painful sores develop when pressure cuts blood flow to a certain area, causing the tissue to break down.
This pressure is usually caused by weight-bearing through a bony prominence such as the tailbone, hip or shoulder blade.
When left untreated, pressure ulcers can become infected, leading to serious health complications.
Here are five practical tips on how caregivers can help avoid pressure ulcers in the elderly.
It's best to get a pressure relief mattress for seniors at risk of developing bedsores.
These mattresses are designed to provide the right support for the whole body. They redistribute a person's weight and reduce pressure on specific body areas.
You can choose air, gel, foam, or hybrid mattresses.
Foam mattresses are best for seniors with a low-level risk of pressure ulcers.
Gel mattresses are much cooler than foam ones. This makes sleeping much more comfortable for patients.
Choose low air loss mattresses if your loved ones already suffer from bed sores.
This mattress has a pump that pushes air through tiny holes at the top. The air helps keep the patient cool and heal the pressure sores that have already developed.
Get more information about pressure relief mattresses here.
Keeping your loved ones hydrated and fed well should also be a priority.
Hydration and nutrition play a huge role in keeping skin, fat and muscle cells healthy. It's also important for skin repair and preservation of these tissues.
When the body is dehydrated, it disturbs cell metabolism and wound healing.
Adequate amounts of fluid are necessary to keep the blood flowing properly in the body.
Nutrients get evenly distributed in the body, making it easier to recover in case of damage.
So ensure your elders get the right amount of fluids and nutrient-rich food.
In case your loved one's skin is already broken, the next best thing to do is to keep it clean.
First things first, ask your healthcare provider for help. They can guide you through the correct process of cleansing the wound and avoiding more complications.
Remove pressure on the affected area by monitoring the patient's position and changing it often.
Use thera-honey, medicated gauze or special dressings on the wound to speed up its healing process.
Ask about antiseptic creams or medicine you can use to treat infections.
You could also learn the debridement process to remove damaged, infected, or dead tissue, but it may be best to leave that to the experts.
Learn more about debridement here.
It's best to change the patient's position every two to four hours. This will help remove continuous pressure which causes damage.
Two hours is the longest you should remain on areas already at risk of skin breakdown.
Consider slide sheets when changing your loved one's position, but be careful. These specialty sheets create a low friction surface.
This can reduce caregiver burden, but if not used properly, can cause a loved one to slide out of the bed.
Use cushions and positioning aids to protect all bony body parts such as the sacral regions, the hips and scapulas.
Some positions you can use are as follows:
Read more about bed positioning here.
When it comes to pressure ulcers, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Proper skin care is a must.
As a caregiver, it's important to check on your elderly's skin at least daily. Check for redness, wounds, or any signs of discoloration.
Keep the right moisture levels and ensure the skin is neither dry nor too moist.
Nutrition and hydration come first. But it also helps to apply moisturizers to keep the skin supple.
And try not to massage bony areas to avoid any damage or breakage.
Elderly individuals are especially susceptible to bedsores.
And preventing bedsores in the elderly is possible by following some simple guidelines for nutrition, hydration, and positioning.
Healthcare providers should always be consulted when caring for elderly patients.
But family members can also help by being aware of the risk factors and watching for any signs of bedsores early on.
Are there any other tips you can share with our readers on how to avoid this common problem?
That's all for today.
Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day!
Winn
I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy and have been working with the 70+ age group for over a decade. I will share my knowledge and experience to give you ideas to care for your aging parents. Read more >>