If you have an aging loved one in need of advanced medical care, a nursing home might be the best possible option. As hard as it is to place a loved one in a nursing facility, it is in their best interest if they require daily care, or are experiencing the effects of dementia.
Bedridden seniors can also benefit from nursing home care, as long as the facility provides the proper care to residents. When they do not, injuries and illness are likely to occur. According to the Mayo Clinic, bedsores occur when there is pressure on the skin for a prolonged period of time. Nursing homes must be vigilant about preventing bedsores, or your loved one may experience very serious effects.
Causes of bedsores
Three occurrences contribute to bedsores when a person has limited or no mobility. As mentioned above, pressure on the skin causes sores to form by decreasing the flow of blood to the area. When the skin rubs against bedding or clothing, friction occurs. Friction causes minor damage that will eventually increase as the blood flow is limited by continuous pressure. Finally, shearing occurs when the skin moves in one direction, while the bedding or clothing fabric moves in another.
How bedsores can be prevented
When a person cannot properly care for themselves, nursing home staff must step in to lend a hand. Keeping the skin clean and dry at all times is key to preventing bedsores. Staff must change bedding and clothing on regular basis, while also ensuring the patient’s skin is properly cleaned and dried. Additionally, staff must reposition the patient as needed in their bed to prevent pressure from being placed on the same areas.
