bed sores can be conquered
Later stages of dementia can rob your loved one’s ability to move around freely resulting in prolonged hours in a reclining chair, a wheelchair, or a bed. This can and will change the scope of care and can and may create new challenges. Bed sores or decubitus ulcers develop as a direct result of lack of mobility and are very painful. The most common areas for them to show are hips, ankles, heels, and the tailbone.
Prolonged pressure, excessive moisture (urine, sweat), poor blood circulation, lack of hydration, and inadequate skin care can all lead to feed and worsen sores. Look below for some techniques that can help.
Methods to Prevent
Regular Repositioning: Change the person's position frequently to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas. For those who are bedridden, reposition every 1-2 hours. For those in a wheelchair, shift weight every 15 minutes.
Use Pressure-Relieving Devices: Employ specialized mattresses, cushions, and pads designed to reduce pressure on the skin. These can include air-filled or gel-based products.
Keep Skin Clean and Dry: Regularly inspect the skin for signs of irritation or pressure sores. Maintain hygiene by bathing with mild soap and water, and ensure the skin is completely dry afterward.
Maintain Good Nutrition and Hydration: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals helps maintain skin integrity. Ensure adequate fluid intake to keep skin hydrated and healthy.
Use Barrier Creams: Apply barrier creams or ointments to protect vulnerable skin areas from moisture and friction.
We have battled this for quite some time and finally found the solution for my mother-in-law by a combination of pressure relieving tools, healing dressings, barrier creams, and good hygiene. The following items have been amazing for her and us.
THIS STUFF REALLY WORKS
Barrier Cream: Calmoseptine Ointment Tube- It relives pain and itching and works to keep moisture out even in a damp diaper. Use this directly on the sore or to line the covering that you place on the sore, use a generous amount.
Barrier Cream: A+D Original Diaper Rash Ointment- A & D ointment is the answer for everything; rash, itching, dryness and keeps moisture out. You can even line the diaper with it as well as the covering that you place on the sore.
Healing: Improved Medihoney Gel Wound and & Burn Dressing- This dressing is comprised of Leptospermum Honey more commonly known as Manuka Honey. Manuka Honey is a special type of honey produced by bees that collect nectar from the Manuka tree, which is native to New Zealand and parts of Australia. It's distinguished from other honeys by its unique antibacterial properties. We use this dressing on sores that are especially raw and notice improvement within 48 hours. We recommend applying and then using a barrier cream to cover in order to protect from urine.
Healing: Dr. Med Manuka Honey Gauze Dressing 4" x 4", (5 PCS/Box) Honey Medical Bandage Wound Care Patch- We use this as a covering for the sore once the Medihoney Gel is applied. It provides additional healing power of the Manuka Honey.
Healing: Neosporin + Lidocaine First Aid Antibiotic Ointment- We use this to help stave of infection and promote healing.
Healing: Bacitracin Antibiotic- We use this to help stave of infection and promote healing.
Bandage: MedVanceTM Silicone - Bordered Silicone Adhesive Foam Dressing- We use this for bed sores that are large in size or to protect problem areas that may require more cushion. These bandages are available in multiple sizes, squares or rectangles.
Depressurizing System: Vive Alternating Air Pressure Mattress Pad- This is a true winner and has been a game changer for my mother-in-law. The system is very quiet and works not only to alleviate pressure points but provides a full body massage as well. This mattress topper has cut the instances of bed sores down 92%.
You can find these items at various stores or pharmacies or at the provided link through Amazon. We hope that this helps you as much as it has helped us.
