Four Risk Factors for Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores) in the Elderly
One of the biggest health concerns for home caregivers and professionals at senior living facilities like Onondaga Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing is pressure ulcers, otherwise known as bedsores.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of 10 residents at a skilled nursing facility will have bedsores.
Centers Health Care facilities like Onondaga Center goes to great lengths to ensure residents do not get pressure ulcers, but it can be more of a challenge for the caregiver who may take care of a loved one at home.
A pressure ulcer is caused by skin being pressed up against something hard for a prolonged period of time, causing the skin to die. Many times, the hard item being pressed against is a bed or chair.
There are four risk factors that leave people more prone to bedsores.
- Staying in One Position for a Long Time
This is the primary and most obvious concern regarding bedsores. Someone who is too weak to get out of bed, chair, or wheelchair is prone to bedsores by staying in the same position for too long. This is also an issue for people who suffer major trauma like spinal cord injuries.
2. Not Getting Enough Fluids and Nutrition
Being well-hydrated and having proper vitamins and minerals in your body will keep your skin healthy from the inside.
3. Poor Blood Flow
Having a restricted blood flow to parts of the body can cause skin cells to die. Diabetes and heart disease are the two main causes of this issue.
4. Unable to Communicate
Sometimes a patient may not be able to communicate about pain or discomfort in an area. This is a common problem for Alzheimer’s patients. It can also affect people with nerve damage, as they may not be able to feel pain from a pressure ulcer.
At the first sign of a pressure ulcer, the Mayo Clinic advises changing positions frequently and making sure the patient is adequately hydrated. Seek a health professional’s care if it doesn’t improve within a day or two.
To learn more about Onondaga Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit https://centershealthcare.com/onondaga_center/.
