The occurrence of bedsores is not farfetched, even residents of assisted living homes are not left out if care is not exercised. Bedsore develops when the skin or the tissues beneath it are injured, resulting in redness, swelling, and a possible open wound. If not addressed, even minor bedsores can quickly worsen into a life-threatening emergency.
Bedsores are a common medical problem, but the good news is that they are often simpler to prevent than to treat after they have developed. Here are four strategies to help avoid bedsores in retirement communities.
Proper Nutrition
The risk of bed sores in the residents can be reduced by providing them with a nutritious, well-balanced diet and enough fluids.
This is why the skilled chefs at our Personal Care community put so much effort into creating not only delicious but nutritious and well-balanced meals. Proper nutrition helps residents keep to a healthy weight and ensure that nutrients that are needed to keep the skin from drying up are obtained in the right proportions.
Keeping the Body Clean and Dry
If you are unable to reposition yourself frequently and have a history of incontinence or urinary retention, you are at increased risk of developing bedsores. Therefore, to avoid getting bedsores, you must keep your body tidy and clean, especially the skin folds.
Our team members thereby educate residents on the importance of proper body cleaning and drying, to prevent bedsores.
Frequent Repositioning
Healthcare facilities sometimes take a cookie-cutter approach to treat bedsores in patients who are immobile or unable to move. To avoid skin pressure, it is recommended to change positions at least once every two hours. But whether or not that’s necessary depends on the individual’s tissue tolerance. However, not all residents who have trouble moving will benefit from a two-hour turning session.
To that end, with the help of our senior living programs, particularly, our health and fitness program, each resident in our Personal Care community has an individualized plan for turning and positioning based on his or her specific risk factors. When compared to taking a cookie-cutter approach, this is the better option.
Residents also have access to a variety of fitness programs designed to stimulate body, soul, and mind under the supervision of trained experts. These exercises and programs not only improve circulation but also lessen the likelihood of bedsores.
Giving Extra Care to Bedsore-Sensitive Body Parts
Additional support for the rocking chair, sofa, or wheelchair with soft cushions that decrease pressure and pain is essential, as is the use of a specific mattress, placing pillows between a loved one’s legs as they sleep, or other similar measures.
Gel, water, foam, and air are frequently used to make these specialized cushions, pillows, and mattresses. Our community can boast of resort-style apartments and furniture to provide the comfort that residents need.
There are several things you can do to lessen the likelihood that you or your loved one will develop bedsore, and if doing so seems like a slightly difficult task for you to overcome in their care, you may need to consider retirement communities to help. Our retirement community adopts safety measures to prevent residents from ever having to deal with bedsores.
More importantly, our widespread senior living options ensure a continuum of care for you and your loved ones, guaranteeing your overall well-being throughout your stay.
