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PREVENTION OF BEDSORESBedsores are preventable. For all the pain and suffering that bedsores cause, the bottom line is that they are preventable. Many of the conservative treatments for bedsores can also be used to prevent them. Make sure your caregiver has a care plan to address your risk of developing bedsores. The cornerstones of such a plan include position changes along with supportive devices, daily skin inspections and a maximally nutritious diet. Position changes Avoid lying directly on your hipbones. Lie on your side at a 30-degree angle. Support your legs correctly. When lying on your back, place a foam pad or pillow - not a doughnut-shaped cushion - under your legs from the middle of your calf to your ankle. Avoid placing a support directly behind your knee - it can severely restrict blood flow. Keep your knees and ankles from touching. Use small pillows or pads. Avoid raising the head of the bed more than 30 degrees. A higher incline makes it more likely that you'll slide down, putting you at risk of friction and shearing injuries. If the bed needs to be higher when you eat, place pillows or foam wedges at your hips and shoulders to help maintain alignment. Use a pressure-reducing mattress or bed. You have many options, including foam, air, gel or water mattresses. Because these can vary widely in price and effectiveness, talk to your doctor about the best choice for you. For some people, a low-air-loss mattress may provide enough support. But more expensive and technologically sophisticated beds may be needed for people who have recurring pressure bedsores or who are at very high risk. Pressure-release wheelchairs, which tilt to redistribute pressure, make sitting for long periods easier and more comfortable. If you don't have a pressure-release chair, you or your caregiver will need to manually change your position every 15 to 30 minutes. If you have movement and enough strength in your upper body, you can do wheelchair pushups - raising your body off the seat by pushing on the arms of the chair. All wheelchairs need cushions that reduce pressure and provide maximum support and comfort. Various cushions are available, including foam, gel, and water- or air-filled cushions. Although they may help relieve pressure, cushions and other devices don't prevent pressure bedsores from forming or replace the need to change your position as often as recommended. Skin inspection If you're confined to bed, pay special attention to your hips, spine, lower back, shoulder blades, elbows, head and heels. When you're in a wheelchair, look especially for bedsores on your buttocks and tailbone, lower back, legs, heels and feet. If you see skin damage or any sign of infection such as drainage from a sore, a foul odor, and increased tenderness, redness and warmth in the surrounding skin, get medical help immediately. Nutrition If you're ill, recovering from surgery or have slight dementia, you may have little appetite and eating may be physically difficult. Yet it's essential to get enough calories, protein, vitamins and minerals. A dietitian can help devise an eating plan that caters to your food preferences while supplying necessary nutrients. Limit fluids during meals. Liquids can fill you up and prevent you from eating higher calorie foods. It may help to drink most of your liquids 30 to 60 minutes before or after you eat. However, don't restrict your overall intake of water, because it helps keep skin soft and supple. If meat isn't appealing to you, consider other high-protein foods such as cottage cheese, peanut butter, yogurt and custards. Beans and nuts also are good protein sources but may be hard to digest. Lifestyle changes Support. Your physical and emotional well-being depend on having a strong support system. Don't be afraid to ask for help with daily tasks or for emotional support from your caregivers and family. For the family |
Copyright 2008. York Law Corporation | |
