Bed sores are common occurrences in patients who are bedridden. Also called pressure ulcers, bed sores often develop when too much pressure is being put on the skin.
The Effects of Bed Sores
Among the many reasons why many families take advantage of assistance from providers of Home Health & Hospice in Wichita, Kansas is to help prevent bed sores in their bedridden loved ones. This is mostly due to the inconvenience and complications that the effects of bed sores can extend to patients. These include:
- discomfort
- pain
- infections
Common Areas Affected
There are a number of body parts that are commonly at high risks of developing bed sores. Oftentimes, these are the parts that get the most pressure when lying down, such as:
- heels
- hips
- tailbone
- elbows
- shoulders
Prevention Tips
You surely want to help your loved ones receive their much-deserved Health Care in Kansas. Below are some of the prevention tips you can use in their situation:
- Make use of pillows.
Place the pillows in between the parts of your loved ones’ bodies that press against one another or against the bed’s surface. The pillows must be soft enough to reduce the amount of pressure that exists. - Keep their skin clean and dry.
A clean, dry skin has lesser chances of developing bed sores. It also reduces the risks of infections. So, it is vital to ensure the cleanliness and dryness of your loved ones’ skin. Use a washcloth dipped in a bucket of water and mild soap to clean the area. Pat it dry with a clean towel. - Change positions as often as possible.
Reduce the pressure from commonly affected body parts by frequently repositioning your loved ones at least after every couple of hours. If they can reposition themselves, encourage them to do so. If not, prepare to give assistance. A Home Health Aide can also help in the situation.
The Importance of Exercise
Being bedridden may make your loved ones believe that exercise is futile. This should not be the case. Even if they stay in bed, they should still perform a range of motion exercises. This can actually also help minimize the likelihood of developing pressure ulcers.
For your care needs, get in touch with Providence Home Health and Hospice LLC today!