Preventing Bedsores: A Vital Step in Elderly Care

A High Risk of Pressure Wounds People at higher risk for developing pressure ulcers are typically:

Older people with poor circulation
Always in bed or wheelchair for mobility-challenged people
Insufficient hydration or nutrition
Diabetes can cause a disruption in blood flow
Experience neurological disorders
The loss of sensation can lead to bed sores and pressure ulcers. Spinal cord injury patients can find it difficult to be confined in a wheelchair or bed for long periods of time.

Most Common Type of Pressure Sores

Bedsores are most commonly called "decubitus" ulcers. They often develop on the heels, hips, tailbones, or shoulder blades.
When a person is paralyzed or has had a stroke, they can develop "tissue crushing injuries" if they remain in the same position without moving for extended periods of time, particularly on a bed that cuts off circulation.
Bedsores can cause the skin to appear reddened and moist. Pressure sores may also appear gray, white or yellow depending on severity, where they are located on the body and how long ago they first appeared.
Inflammation of the skin can be an indication of infection.

The severity of pressure sores is usually classified using different scales.
Stage 1- The initial stage of the development of bed sores is characterized by red or pink skin with some swelling, bruising or discomfort. There may not be any open skin areas.
Stage 2 As the bed sore progresses, skin becomes thinner and drier, with tissue damage and discoloration. The skin may become open and painful to touch.
Stage 3 - Now that the skin has a dark reddish or purplish color due to bleeding, the condition of the bed rash is critical. Bed sores are not painful because the tissue is dead. However, blistering can occur.
Stage 4- An open bed sore or ulcer that is charred or blackened or severely damaged may present an increased infection risk. The open pressure wound exposes muscle or bone and requires intensive care.

Use of Mattresses, Bedsores and other Devices
Nursing staff must adhere to best practices in order to minimize the risk of bedsores being acquired at a facility. It is important to assess the patient's risk of developing bedsores, usually by a qualified healthcare professional. The patient's condition can change, so this assessment should be reviewed regularly. The following protocols can help to prevent the formation of a pressure ulcer:

Reposition the body as often as possible, including in a bed or chair at least once every two hours.
Support the patient's foot
Make sure the patient is hydrated and well-nourished
Assess the skin regularly to detect any signs of a sore.
Use pressure-relieving mattress and pad systems

How do preventing bedsores air mattresses work?

Air mattresses do the moving for patient! If patient can't change positions and get out of bed often, it is more likely that patient will develop bedsores or pressure ulcers. The skin of the patient rubs against the bed surface without any ventilation. Air mattresses can help treat these problems, whether the patient has already developed pressure sores or is in a similar position.

The air mattresses are connected to an air pump that is programmed to alternate pressure points on the body. This keeps tissues moving while the patient sleeps.

The mattress is divided into multiple air chambers that inflate and deflate according to a specific pattern, redistributing the patient's weight and reducing pressure points. This alternating pressure also helps to improve circulation and reduce swelling. By preventing the formation of pressure sores, the Anti-Decubitus Air Mattress can improve the comfort and overall health of bedridden patients