How to Prevent Bedsores in the Elderly

Bedsores, also called pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are areas of skin that break down due to prolonged pressure on the skin and tissues. Continuous, unrelenting pressure on one area of the body reduces blood flow. When blood doesn't flow into the skin and tissues, it becomes damaged, dies, and begins to ulcerate. This is a very serious problem for people who are bedridden, or who spend a lot of time in a bed or a wheelchair and cannot shift their own weight. Bedsores are measured in levels of severity, from superficial to deep. This is based on the size, amount of damage and its reversibility.

Instructions

• 1

  Check the patient's body daily for signs of compromised skin. The areas most at risk are places where there is a bony prominence, such as the heels, elbows and hips. Looks for areas of ulcerated skin as well as reddened areas--these may indicate early signs of damaged tissue.

• 2

  Be gentle with the patient's skin. When bathing, do not rub with a washcloth; use a soft sponge instead and blot the skin. After bathing, pat dry, and make sure all areas of the body are completely dry. Use a moisturizer on the skin, and try not to bathe the patient every day.

• 3

  Prepare a healthy diet, with adequate calories. A healthy diet should include plenty of protein and Vitamin C. Make sure your patient drinks plenty of water--several glasses a day--to stay hydrated. A good diet can help prevent pressure ulcers. It will also help them heal.

• 4

  Check for clothing problems. These may include clothing that is too tight or too loose. Loose clothing can bunch and wrinkle, adding more pressure to bony areas. Watch for thick seams, zippers or buttons that may press into the skin when the person is seated or reclined.

• 5

  Use a foam mattress pad on the bed, or one that is filled with air or gel. Place cushions between the legs if the patient lies on his side. If he lies on his back, cushion the heels, tailbone, shoulders and elbows.

• 6

  Change the patient's position every one to two hours to relieve pressure on any single spot. For instance, turning the patient from his left to his right side should alleviate pressure on all compressed areas.

• 7

  Call the doctor right away if you notice any signs of pressure ulcers, such as spongy skin, reddened skin, warm skin or any obvious signs of ulceration, like open wounds, drainage or bleeding. These must be treated quickly, and the doctor can advise what changes need to be made to the patient's care plan to avoid further damage.