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Pressure sores, also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers, are sores resulted from prolonged pressure on the skin. Seniors who are wheelchair-bound or bed-bound have higher risks of developing pressure sores. They often form on the surface of the skin covering the tailbone, ankles, hips, and heels.
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Pressure sores are common among older adults who have reduced activity or reduced mobility. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to one in 10 seniors with limited mobility develops pressure sores. Older adults experience pressure sores more often than people of any other demographic due to loss of mobility.
Pressure sores generally develop in seniors who need help moving or spend most of the day sitting or lying down. Three main factors contribute to pressure sores amongst seniors.
Prolonged pressure on any part of the body limits blood flow to skins or tissues in that area. Blood flow is necessary to transport oxygen and other nutrients around the body. The lack of blood flow causes tissues to be damaged and deteriorated over time, eventually causing the skin to die. This is most common in areas of the body without much muscle or fat.
Our skin gets thinner and more fragile as we age. Friction against the bed or any clothings can break down the skin and cause pressure sores. Avoid rough clothing and sheets, as these are potential risks to pressure sores.
Shear occurs when the skin moves in one direction while the bone moves in another or stays still. For example, slowly sliding down a bed may cause tailbones or shoulder blades to move while skin remains in place. This can cause the skin to stretch and tear.
The area of skin is discoloured and warm to the touch. It may be red on seniors with lighter skin, or purplish-blue on seniors with darker skin. Older adults may also complain of itching or burning. Stage 1 bedsores will often disappear with regular repositioning and pressure relief.
Skin damage is more visible, and may include an open blister, sore, or scrape, in addition to discolouration. Someone with a stage 2 bedsore may feel serious pain or discomfort.
In addition to spreading discolouration and abrasions, the area takes on a crater-like appearance from damage beneath the skin’s surface.
A large wound is present and the skin is significantly, visibly deteriorated. Muscles, bones, and tendons may be damaged or even visible through the hole in the skin. Stage 4 bedsores often lead to serious infection and are hard to manage, even for professional caregivers.
Reposition your loved one every one to two hours in bed and every 30 minutes in a wheelchair can prevent pressure sores. Transfer products such as the transfer sheet can help you in repositioning your seniors in bed or in the wheelchairs. Other transfer products such as the transfer board and transfer belt can support you in transferring your seniors from the bed to other places as well.
Products such as air mattresses and air cushions are specially designed to help relieve or prevent pressure sores.
Consider air mattresses such as the Alternating Pressure Air Mattress and the Arise Alternating Pressure Relief System which are specially designed to provide short-term treatment, prevention and relief for early stages (Stage 1 and 2) of pressure sores.
Rubber cushions or doughnut-shaped hemorrhoid pillows should not be used as treatment for pressure sores on the buttocks. Instead, consider using cushions that are specially designed to prevent pressure sores. The Roho Mosaic Wheelchair Air Cushion is an inflatable and adjustable wheelchair support cushion designed to provide users with pressure relief.
Without appropriate fluids, vitamins, minerals, and protein, pressure sores won’t heal properly. A well-balanced diet that promotes skin and bone health can help prevent bedsores.
If your loved one is severely overweight, losing weight can reduce pressure on bones and joints. Conversely, if they are underweight, a lack of muscles in fats may lead to bedsores around sharp joints.
Even mild movement and stretching can increase blood flow. Try out low-impact exercises or stretches that can be safely performed while seated.
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