How to Prevent Bed Sores

If you have limited mobility due to accident injury, disability, or age, you should know how to prevent bed sores. Even if you are confined to a bed or a wheelchair for long periods of time, there are actions you or your caregiver can take to make sure you do not have to endure the added pain and treatment of bed sores.

gel cushions for pressure sores

Technically speaking, bed sores are actually pressure sores on any part of the body where the skin is being stressed by long periods of immobility and added difficulties in repositioning. You do not have to be confined to a bed, in order to suffer from bed sores. Thus, it is important to be aware of the potential for sores and know how to do everything possible to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

PRESSURE SORES

The key is to be proactive and take the necessary steps to prevent bed sore. For example:
Positioning Inspections Nutrition Lifestyle Changes

Although it will not guarantee that bed sores will not occur, it will definitely reduce the opportunities for these painful and often dangerous sores from making life miserable.

Positioning

Avoid staying in one position for extended periods of time. If you are able, move around frequently to redistribute weight to other areas of the body. For those who cannot move, it is up to the caregiver to move his/her charge around periodically. For those who are confined to a wheelchair, one designed to recline can be helpful in making sure the immobile individual can change positions.

Inspections

Although it is probably not the most pleasant of tasks, it is important to check for bed sores on a daily basis. Anywhere the skin comes in constant contact with the bed or the chair, take notice. For those prone to develop bed sores, it may only take a day or two to develop a big problem that can quickly turn into a serious health concern. Once a bed sore develops, it is very painful and difficult to treat.

Nutrition

Surprisingly, good nutrition can help prevent bed sores from making life painfully miserable. If the disabled person is underweight, he/she is more likely to suffer pressure sores. Good nutrition also helps the body produce healthy skin, which is less likely to erupt into sores. Thus, it is important to eat a well balanced diet, as much as possible.

Lifestyle Changes

Sorry folks. Lifestyle changes can make a big difference in whether a person is prone to develop bed sores. Yes. One more reason to quit smoking has come to light. Immobile individuals who smoke are more likely to have bed sores.

In addition, exercise is so important. If you are disabled and cannot do it for yourself, it is time to ask someone to help you exercise and move your body around a little bit. Whether people have limited mobility or not, exercise is still key in staying as healthy as possible.

Now you Know

Now you know a few things you can do to prevent bed sores in you or someone you love. Pressure sores can be dangerous and life threatening, if left undetected and untreated. So, be proactive; be cautious; be painful bed sore free.

How to Prevent Bed Sores

PRESSURE SORES