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RISK FACTORS OF BEDSORESAny time you are immobilized by severe illness, injury or sedation - even for a brief time such as after an operation or accident - you can develop bedsores. This is especially true in older people who naturally have thinning skin and decreased circulation, both of which make tissue damage more likely and healing more difficult. If you're unable to move certain parts of your body without help for any reason, one or more of these factors may increase your risk of bedsores: Residence in a nursing home. Nursing home residents have much higher rates of bedsores than do people who are hospitalized or cared for at home. It all depends on the quality of care that the nursing home provides. The quality of care starts with having enough staff to provide proper attention to the resident and also includes proper nutrition and movement. Age. The majority of pressure sores occur in people older than 70. Older adults tend to have thinner skin than younger people do, making them more susceptible to damage from minor pressure. They're also more likely to be underweight, with less fatty tissue over their bones. Poor nutrition, common among older adults, not only affects the integrity of the skin and blood vessels but also hinders wound healing. Natural thinness or weight loss. You often lose weight when you're sick or hospitalized. In either case, you lose fat and muscle that help cushion your bones. Some experts say the best way to prevent skin breakdown is to have at least 2 inches of muscle over bony areas. Malnutrition. You're more likely to develop pressure sores if you have a poor diet, especially one deficient in protein, zinc and vitamin C. You're also more likely to have recurrent bedsores, more severe infections, and slower healing wounds than are people with healthier diets. Urinary or fecal incontinence. Problems with bladder control can greatly increase your risk of pressure sores because your skin stays moist, making it more likely to break down. And bacteria from fecal matter not only can cause serious local infections but also lead to life-threatening systemic complications such as sepsis, gangrene and, rarely, necrotizing fasciitis, a severe and rapidly spreading infection. That is why it is so important to have proper attention to a patient and fully meet their needs. Other medical conditions. Because certain health problems such as diabetes and vascular disease affect circulation, parts of your body may not receive adequate blood flow, increasing your risk of tissue damage. And if you have muscle spasms (spastic paralysis) or contracted joints, you're subject to repeated trauma from friction and shear forces. Decreased mental awareness. People whose mental awareness is lessened by disease, trauma or medications are often less able to take the actions needed to prevent or care for pressure sores. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, hospital or other care facility, check that person's skin condition, weight and general care every time you visit. If you notice any sign of bedsores or neglect, alert the nursing staff and attending physician or nursing home director immediately. You and other family members are in the best position to monitor and assess a loved one's condition. Be persistent, because if the administration and staff are slow to respond your loved one could develop bedsores. Bedsores are a sign of neglect! If you have a loved one who is being neglect, contact York Law Corporation to act on your behalf today! |
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