Seniors must avoid bedsores with caution and attention. First, bedridden patients with a disability and need transport chairs should move around frequently to redistribute pressure on the skin and improve blood circulation. Bedsore might be caused by pressure that prevents circulation for even two hours. As a result, caregivers must ensure that seniors change positions often, at least three times while sitting and at least once while lying down or sleeping.
The skin of elderly individuals grows increasingly delicate with age, necessitating particular attention. The skin should be kept clean and dry, with moisturizing creams or lotions used if necessary. Seniors must use caution when moving around to avoid excessive friction or rubbing on the skin. Barrier creams should be used by seniors who are incontinent or use incontinence products to avoid sliding in and out of bed and have difficulty using the toilet to keep their skin from being irritated by urine and other waste.
Seniors should strive to live a healthy lifestyle above everything else. Even though individuals with limited mobility may find it difficult to stay active, they should consume a healthy diet and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. But what makes bedsores so prone to seniors?
How do bedsores develop in the elderly?
Even while we sleep, the human body remains in continual motion. While sitting at a desk, sleeping in bed, or watching TV, we continuously shift positions and unintentionally readjust ourselves. When a senior’s mobility is reduced due to surgery, a spinal cord injury, arthritis, or illness, those movements may halt unless they use mobility aids.
The pressure of an immobile body can limit blood flow and harm skin if it is not readjusted regularly. Bedsores commonly develop in regions with little muscle and fat padding, such as near or prominent bones. Bedsores commonly develop on the tailbone, hips, heels, shoulder blades, and elbows.
Seniors’ most common bed sores causes
Seniors who require mobility aids or spend most of their time sitting or lying down are more likely to develop bedsores. Three major factors cause elderly bedsores, and here they are:
- Friction
When seniors adjust, the rubbing and movement might cause skin breakdown. Even modest assistance might result in a friction wound, particularly as the skin thins and becomes more sensitive with age. Avoid wearing scratchy clothing or bedding, as they can promote bedsores, and avoid rubbing motions when adjusting loved ones. It is advisable to have a bedsore mattress to better experience and minimize friction from wrong mattresses.
- Shear
Shear happens when the skin moves in one direction while the bone remains stationary or moves oppositely. Slowly sliding down a bed, for example, may cause the shoulder blades or tailbones to move while the skin remains in place. The skin may stretch and tear as a result. A senior who wants to get out of bed should have a bed alarm attached to their bed to signal caregivers that they need help.
- Limited movement causes a strain.
Pressure on a bodily portion over an extended period might limit blood flow to the tissues in that area. Blood flow is required to give oxygen and other nutrients to tissue and skin; without it, they become damaged and may degenerate. This pressure commonly occurs in locations where there is little muscle or fat, resulting in bedsores in seniors with restricted movement.
- Nutrition and hydration deficiency
Malnourished people lose protective fat beneath their skin, leaving them more susceptible to bedsores. Furthermore, those dehydrated or malnourished will take longer to heal from bedsores.
- Incontinence
Incontinence can cause excessive moisture on the skin, creating friction between skin, mattresses, and clothing. People with bowel incontinence are at risk of developing local infections in their buttocks, leading to bedsores. They are compelled to utilize incontinence products.
- Pressure
Blood flow to that location is restricted when prolonged, interrupted is applied to the skin. Skin death occurs when there is insufficient blood supply to the skin and adjacent tissue. It happens most frequently in locations where there isn’t a lot of muscle or fat.
Bedsores prevention for seniors
The greatest treatment for bedsores is to prevent them. They aren’t that difficult to keep at bay with the right knowledge and a little support. Repositioning a senior periodically and caring for their skin can help a lot. Here are a few suggestions to get started:
Shift their weight. Shifting the weight of the seniors in a different direction greatly helps. If they have pressure sores or bed sores from using a wheelchair, changing their weight periodically can assist. This method works in beds as well; switch sides if possible.
Bedsores mattress. Use a mattress that relieves pressure, like a bedsore mattress. These mattresses are available on the market and are designed to ease pressure and prevent bedsores. Bedsore mattresses automatically alternate pressure in the mattress, with little effort on the seniors’ part. They will spend the money they spend on these mattresses well.
Raise their heads. Seniors should lift themselves out of their wheelchairs to lessen the pressure.
Cleanse and dry the skin. To limit moisture and waste exposure, cleanse the skin regularly and dry it. Use A and D ointment that helps to restore and cleanse the skin.
Keep the skin in good condition. It’s critical to protect the skin from friction and pressure by doing everything. Ensure there are no things between the seniors and the mattress or seat and that their bedding is straightened out. Use barrier cream to decrease friction and keep their skin hydrated.
Final Thoughts
Of course, the greatest method to prevent geriatric bedsores is to encourage your loved one to stay as active as possible, whether with or without assistance. If your loved one avoids getting out of bed for fear of stumbling or falling, home health care can help, available here at AvaCare Medical.
Seniors may require surgery for more serious bedsores. It is, however, only required in the most serious of circumstances. We offer different bandages, wound dressings, ointments, and antibiotics & septic that may help bedsores recover faster. For more information about our great offers, please email us here at info@avacaremedical.com or contact us here at 1-877-813-7799.