Preventing Loved Ones from Developing Bed Sores in Gilford, NH

When your aging loved one is confined to a bed or a wheelchair for a considerable amount of time, you may need to check for bed sores. It is very important to be on the lookout for bed sores because while they may not sound terrible, they can lead to painful and potentially harmful complications.

Visiting Angels of Gilford can help provide elderly health care to your loved one to protect them from bed sores as well as other injuries they may experience that would degrade their health and quality of life.

Visiting Angels of Gilford Offers Elderly Health Care and Tips to Prevent Bed Sores for Seniors in Gilford and Nearby Cities

A bed sore is an injury in the skin and tissue beneath that is brought about by pressure over a long period of time. Many times, bed sores can be found on areas of the body that are bonier, like the tailbone, hips, heels, or ankles. Visiting Angels of Gilford offers elderly health care services that help seniors avoid bed sores.

 The Risks of Bed Sores

There are other risk factors for bed sores that you should be aware of, including:

• Decreased sensations from laying or sitting too long can be harmful because it can cause people to forget to reposition.
• Poor nutrition and poor hydration can expose the skin and body to injury.
•  Exposure to waste matter can make the skin more vulnerable.
• Poor blood flow can prevent the skin from getting the right amount of nutrients and oxygen which can also make the skin vulnerable to damage.

Bed sores can cause serious health issues and lead to dangerous infections in skin, bone, and joints. Infection can cause problems, as the body can respond to infection with sepsis, which can be life-threatening.

Preventing Bed Sores

To prevent your loved one from getting bed sores, it’s important to keep an eye out for early signs. These signs include tender areas, pus-like draining, temperature differences in certain areas of the skin, and swelling or changes in skin color. To provide quality elderly health care to your loved one, it is vital to keep your loved one from developing bed sores.

The key to preventing bed sores is proper skin care and repositioning. Repositioning can help alleviate the pressure that can cause bed sores. Try to reposition your loved one every hour or so, and make sure the material your loved one is positioned on is made of pressure-relieving material, such as foam. It is also important that the elevation of your relative’s head isn’t raised more than 30 degrees to prevent them from sliding off the bed and injuring themselves. If your loved one is in a wheelchair, it can be helpful to have a doctor check the wheelchair cushion.

Keeping the skin healthy includes washing often, especially with a soft cloth and gentle soap. Using lotion and skin protectants are also important to use in areas where bed sores may occur.

How We Can Help

When your loved one has to spend a lot of time in bed or in a wheelchair, the care can be demanding. Visiting Angels of Gilford can provide elderly health care for your loved one all hours of the day and night. You can sleep soundly knowing that your relative will be safe and well-cared for with our home care providers. If your loved one is immobile and needs additional care, it may be time to consider our in-home elderly health care services at Visiting Angels of Gilford. To learn more, call us at 603-366-1993 today.