Bedsores are uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, and they’re more likely to occur when seniors are bedridden. Fortunately, there are many things that can be done to prevent these painful sores. If you provide home care for an aging parent, keep the following tips in mind.
Change Positions Often
A bedsore is often referred to as a pressure sore, since it occurs on an area of the skin where the body comes into contact with a bed or another surface. Changing positions frequently can prevent one part of the body having too much pressure applied to it for too long. Seniors should turn from their backs and alternate sides every couple of hours.
A professional caregiver can be a fantastic resource when you need help lifting and repositioning your loved one. If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care, Assisting Hands Home Care Portland is here to help. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
Add Cushions
Sometimes bedsores occur where body parts come into contact with each other, such as between the knees. Pillows or rolled towels can be placed between these areas to prevent contact. Cushions can also help, and they should be moved whenever your loved one changes positions. Cushions can also be used to help your loved one stay propped up in a new position while increasing his or her comfort.
Keep Skin Clean & Dry
When bedsores occur, they can lead to infections. Clean, dry skin is less likely to develop sores. Therefore, it’s especially important to make sure seniors bathe every day, and their skin should be thoroughly dried following their baths. Areas that show signs of developing sores, such as redness or swelling, should then be monitored to prevent complications.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading Greater Portland senior home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
Encourage Exercise
It can be challenging for a senior to exercise when he or she is confined to a bed. Yet movement encourages circulation and can relieve the pressure on a senior’s skin. Simple exercises can be easily accomplished in bed with help from an in-home caregiver if your loved one cannot do them alone. Leg and arm stretches, arm lifts, and neck rolls can all prevent bedsores from developing.
For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional elderly home care. Greater Portland, OR, Assisting Hands Home Care is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break. Assisting Hands Home Care will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today to learn more about our customized care plans.
