Albert Einstein once said: “A clever man solves a problem. A wise man anticipates it.” It doesn’t matter if you work in an office, a factory, or as a caregiver a problem is good for everyone. Not only that, but it will make your job much easier and more productive. Today we’re going to talk about why it’s so important to prevent pressure sores (also known as decubitus ulcers).
What is decubitus?
Decubitus ulcers, also known as pressure sores, are conditions that occur when skin and tissue are subjected to excessive pressure or friction. Pressure on the tissue can come from the outside, for example from the folds of clothing, or from the inside, when bones and joints put too much pressure on the skin.
People who are bedridden are particularly at risk because they cannot change their position. That is, they are not able to relieve the pressure on the skin and tissues. Pressure can cause a decrease in blood flow to the area, leading to tissue damage, pain, and eventually an ulcer.
What are the stages of decubitus?
The severity can range from mild redness of the skin to deep wounds that can even reach the bone. There are four stages of decubitus, which are classified based on severity.
1: At this stage, the skin is not damaged, but there is redness, warmth or swelling in the affected area.
2: In this stage, the skin is torn or damaged and there is a shallow ulcer or blister in the affected area.
3: At this stage, the ulcer is deeper and extends into the subcutaneous tissues.
4: At this stage, the ulcer is very deep and extends into the muscles and bones.
How to prevent decubitus?
Frequent monitoring: it usually takes several days for pressure sores to develop. In some cases, however, they can arise in just a few hours. Therefore, it is very important to frequently check the patient’s body for signs of decubitus. The most common sites of pressure sores are the back and sides of the head, shoulder blades, hips, lower back, heels, ankles and behind the knees. Keep in mind that they can appear on any other part of the body that is exposed to pressure.
Use pressure relief devices: This can include special mattresses, pillows and various gel or foam pads. By using soft surfaces, you can effectively distribute the weight. This significantly helps to reduce the risk of developing decubitus ulcers.
Regular repositioning: by changing the patient’s position every few hours, you relieve the pressure on the skin and subcutaneous tissues.
Skin care: it is also important to keep your skin clean, dry and moisturised. You can achieve this by maintaining the patient’s personal hygiene and using moisturizing creams.
Hydration and nutrition: skin tone is closely related to a person’s diet. Without proper hydration and nourishment, the skin is much more susceptible to decubitus.
When is it time to go to the doctor?
If you notice any signs of decubitus, change the patient’s position immediately. This should relieve the pressure. However, if there is no improvement within 48 hours, you should contact your doctor. If you notice any signs of infection, you should seek medical care immediately. This may include a foul-smelling discharge from the ulcer, pain, skin discoloration, fever, or swelling.
Overall, carethe elderly is not an easy task. It carries with it responsibility and requires a proactive approach. And even if you do all that, anything can happen. Therefore, it is much safer to work with Athena. Even if the patient no longer needs careor is transferred to a nursing home, hospital or other facility, we will take care of you. Depending on your preference, we will either book you a ticket home or find you another patient. Our goal is not just to find you a job. We want to build a long-term professional relationship. And that’s why you will be Atena will be by your side every step of the way – from the moment you leave the house until the moment you return. And even then, if you need us.
