Tips For Preventing Bed Sores

One of the struggles that many people who are in home health and hospice care face are bedsores. Also known as pressure ulcers, bedsores are especially a problem over bonier parts of the body, such as the heels, ankles, shoulder blades, back of the head, tailbone, hips, and even the ears. And it doesn’t always take a long time for a bedsore to form- sometimes they can occur in mere hours.

The best way to prevent bedsores is to make sure you are frequently moving and shifting your weight on the bed. This may mean shifting between laying on your back and on your sides, or having someone help put a pillow behind your back so you are laying on a bit of a diagonal on your side. If you have an adjustable bed, changing between being in a reclined or a more upright position can help, as can elevating the feet or resting them on a rolled-up towel under the ankles for parts of the day.

If you are able to get out of bed and sit in a wheelchair, couch, or chair for a while, that can also help.

It is also possible to purchase a pressure-relieving mattress. These may have air pockets that you can inflate or deflate throughout the day, or may be made of a soft foam that helps to distribute pressure more evenly across the skin.

Finally, maintaining the proper levels of skin moisture is important. If the skin is too dry, it isn’t pliable enough and may crack or even tear with movement. If the skin is too moist, it can also develop tears and be more susceptible to infections.

It is important to strike the right balance between too much and too little movement. Your care providers can help you create a schedule that allows for easy coordination between caregivers and family members.