How to Do a Decubitus Ulcer Treatment While in a Wheelchair

Patients who are confined to bed rest or a wheelchair are often at risk of forming pressure sores. This sore, known as a decubitus ulcer, forms due to a lack of circulation to that part of the body from sitting or lying in that position for too long.



Decubitus ulcers can lead to other complications such as infections, so it is important to know how to treat and prevent these sores from forming or getting worse. For a wheelchair confined person who has a decubitus ulcer, you will have to lift and move his body to treat the ulcer.

Things You'll Need

• Assistance
• Hoyer lift (if available)
• Wound dressing
• Bed
• Wheelchair cushion

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Instructions

• 1

  Have an assistant ready to help with moving the patient from the wheelchair and into the bed. If available, set up and position the hoyer lift to transfer the patient out of the chair.

• 2

  Position the patient on his side with the ulcer closest to you for treatment. Have your assistant with the patient to ensure he does not move out of position or injure himself from rolling.

• 3

  Clean the ulcer first with a saline solution and check for any dead skin. Debride (remove dead skin) as needed around the wound carefully.

• 4

  Apply dressings as needed to the ulcer. A dressing such as a hydrocolloid works best as it promotes skin growth and maintains moisture around the wound.

• 5

  Place the wheelchair cushion onto the seat of the chair for the patient so that it will be in place when you return them to their chair. The cushion will help relieve pressure against the part of their body that is prone to sores as well as protect the bandaged ulcer. With the help of your assistant or a hoyer lift, return the patient to his chair.