Seniors can develop a variety of fatal medical problems. One of the most frequent medical conditions that residents of retirement communities experience is bedsores. Age-related conditions like diabetes, poor blood circulation, and immobility all increase the likelihood of developing bedsores. This post discusses how retirement facilities in Boca Raton, FL, promote steps to prevent bed sores among residents.
Actions to Prevent Bed Sores
To lessen the chance that their residents will develop bedsores, healthcare professionals and caregivers should establish a schedule of responsibilities. All long-term care facilities have standard operating procedures that aim to lower the prevalence of bedsores among their residents. The following are a few such easy to follow steps to prevent bed sores.
Repositioning of the Body Frequently
When a person doesn’t move around frequently, a bedsore may form in a week’s time, and in less than a month, a bedsore may become life-threatening. It’s crucial to keep the flow and supply of blood to the affected regions intact.
When weight is applied to the body continuously, skin breakdown may happen in as little as two to three hours. At least once every hour or two, caregivers attempt to move seniors under their care. Making sure delicate areas like the tailbone, hips, elbows, and back of the cranium aren’t under a lot of pressure will help prevent bedsores, too.
Skincare Programs
The probability of a blister forming is decreased by carefully patting damp skin dry and by using mild soap and warm water to keep the skin clean. Additionally, talcum powder can help keep the body’s most delicate areas fresh.
The fact that the skin cannot be kept excessively moist or excessively dry for long periods of time is one of the challenges caregivers face in preventing bedsores in their loved ones or residents, so it may take some trial and error to find a skin care routine that works for everyone.
Unique Mattresses
Because they relieve pressure on the body’s most vulnerable points, such as the elbows and hips, memory foam or latex mattresses can help avoid bedsores. Pressure can be distributed throughout the body in a healthy, even manner with the help of a memory foam cushion.
Suitable Nutrition
Good nutrition helps maintain healthy epidermis and lowers the risk of bedsores forming. Supplements of vitamin C, zinc, and greater hydration are usually included in nutritional plans to maintain strong, healthy skin.
Treating Bed Sores
Some seniors may still develop bedsores despite taking preventative measures because of medical conditions that make them more susceptible to the disease.
Diabetes and vascular disease can raise a person’s risk of developing bedsores, so understanding how to treat bedsores may be helpful. The following procedures can be used to treat bedsores.
- Moving frequently to release pressure from the affected region.
- Keeping the wound moist for recovery by covering it with dressings or gauze.
- Regularly washing the area with saline or saltwater.
- Increasing nutrient and vitamin intake to enhance immune system reaction.
Most assisted living facilities in Boca Raton, FL, engage medical staff from time to time to perform debridement, or the elimination of damaged or dead tissue. A skin graft, or replacement of healthy skin, may also be necessary for severe bedsores.
