As many seniors get older, they will find themselves spending more and more time in their beds and less time out and about. This is especially true for those suffering from mobility problems or other illnesses that hinder their ability to move around like they used to.

 

Unfortunately, the more time a person spends in one spot, the higher the risk that they will develop pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores. Bedsores occur when a specific area of the body has a certain degree of pressure on it for an elongated period of time. When that happens, the skin opens up and becomes infected.

 

On today’s quick tip episode of All Home Care Matters, we’ll go over everything you need to know about bedsores. From the risk factors to how to prevent them from happening, this should be a helpful guide to helping your loved one stay safe, comfortable, and infection-free.

 

People are at a higher risk of developing bedsores if they are immobile and have to stay in one spot for a lengthy period of time. While this is one common cause of bedsores, it’s actually not the only risk factor out there. Incontinence issues can also cause damage to the skin that can lead to open skin and increased risk of infection. A person might also get bedsores if they have lost their sense of touch – due to a neurological disorder or spinal cord injury – because they will not be able to detect pain or warning signs of a sore and are more likely to get an infection.

 

Bedsores might seem like a relatively harmless, although uncomfortable, wound on a person’s body – but in reality, bedsores pose a great risk to anyone who has them. There are a number of complications that can occur with bedsores – so extra precautions must be in place to help prevent seniors from getting them. If they do get them, then it’s important that they see a doctor immediately, and do not wait for the infection to spread.

 

It is possible for a bed sore to cause cellulitis – an infection of the skin and soft tissues that occurs when bacteria enters a break in the skin. Cellulitis can cause severe swelling of the skin, along with pain, blisters, and even fever. If left untreated, cellulitis can spread to the lymphatic drainage system in the body and cause chronic swelling. It can also cause deep-layer emergency infections to the fascial lining, on rare occasions.

 

In addition to cellulitis, a person with bedsores is at risk of experiencing arthritis from joint infections, which could lead to tissue damage. They are also at risk of bone infections which can cause their joints and limbs to not function properly.

 

If bedsores are left untreated for a very long period of time, a person is at risk of developing skin cancer as a result of the accelerated growth of squamous cells. Squamous cells grow when a person’s skin is experiencing trauma or abnormal changes – such as an untreated wound.

 

On rare occasions, bedsores can even lead to sepsis – which can lead to widespread inflammation and even organ damage. 

 

Clearly, bedsores are nothing to mess around with. While they might not always be completely preventable – particularly for those who have no choice but to spend their time in bed – it is essential that the wounds are treated as soon as they are found. Do not rely on your loved one to notice and report the sore themselves – in many cases, a person does not even realize they have a sore until it’s too late. Have your loved one’s caregiver check for sores on a regular basis.

 

There are ways to lower the risk of a person getting bedsores – even when they are stuck in bed. The most important way to keep off bedsores is to get moving. Even if your loved one is stuck in bed, make sure to change their position regularly so that no one spot on their body is under too much pressure. At the same time, replace old or worn-out chairs with armchairs and recliners that have comfortable cushioning. If your loved one is able, have them switch between the bed and the chair, instead of remaining in one or the other most of the time.

 

If possible, have your loved one engage in range of motion exercises that will get the circulation flowing. Exercise can make the biggest difference – and it can be as simple as arm and leg exercises in bed. Physical and occupational therapists can be an enormous help when it comes to choosing the best exercise plan for your loved one.

 

There is also specialty bedding available that helps to prevent bedsores. Air mattress toppers or customized cushioned padding can be used to reduce pressure on areas of the body. There are special materials that can reduce pressure on mattresses, chairs, and even footwear, to help reduce pressure wherever and whenever possible.

 

If your loved one suffers from incontinence, they may be especially suspectable to bedsores. Make sure that your loved one’s skin is cleaned regularly and remains dry. If urine or other bodily fluids are not cleaned from the skin, the skin will deteriorate at a quicker rate and bacteria will enter the broken skin. This can be prevented by regular bathing and making sure that the skin always remains clean and dry.

 

Finally, a healthy diet can actually be key to preventing bedsores. A good diet will strengthen blood circulation and help to fight off any possible sores. Make sure your loved one is consuming a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and plenty of fiber and protein.

 

If you notice that your loved one has a bed sore, make sure to change their position immediately to alleviate unnecessary added pressure. Usually, the sore will go away on its own after one to two days pressure-free. If it does not, make sure to contact your loved one’s doctor right away. The doctor will make sure that there is not an infection and prescribe any necessary treatments. If there is an infection, extra medical care or medication might be necessary to fight it. The earlier you find it, the better.

 

Bedsores might seem harmless, but they’re nothing to mess with. Still, if you notice them early enough, they can usually go away before an infection occurs. Make sure to do what you can to prevent your loved one from getting them – and if they do get them, make sure you don’t ignore it.

 

We want to thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is who could benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

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Here are the sources used for this episode:

 

https://www.relias.com/blog/7-steps-to-prevent-pressure-sores

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bed-sores/symptoms-causes/syc-20355893#:~:text=Risk%20factors,cord%20injury%20and%20other%20causes.

 

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bedsores

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cellulitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20370762#:~:text=Cellulitis%20(sel%2Du%2DLIE,face%2C%20arms%20and%20other%20areas