How You Can Help Bedridden Loved Ones Prevent Bed Sores

Bed sores or pressure ulcers usually develop when there is too much pressure on a certain body part over a long period of time. Many of those who are bedridden suffer from bed sores. The elbows, sides of the knees, the shoulders, and the back are the most common body parts affected by bed sores.

Part of home health services in Chillicothe Ohio is wound care. This encompasses care for bed sores. If you have bedridden loved ones, you can follow these tips to help prevent bed sores from developing.

• Change body positions frequently.

  Since bed sores occur when prolonged pressure is put to a certain body part, frequent changes in the body position can help counteract this. Remind your loved ones to change from one body position to another frequently.

  Let them change on their own if they can do so. But, if they are incapable of positioning themselves, carefully and slowly help them out. A provider of home health care services may do this when family members are not around.

• Use pillows, pads, or foams.

  Place these items between the affected body part and the bed’s surface. For instance, put a pillow in between the knees of your loved ones or put it between one side of the hip and the bed, if they are lying sideways. Let your loved ones lie down on foams.

• Encourage them to engage in physical therapy services.

  Physical therapy can help improve circulation and thereby lead to bed sore prevention. Those who are bedridden due to paralysis should take advantage of such a service. A home health agency in Chillicothe Ohio can both provide physical therapy and wound care for your family members.

• Keep the skin clean and dry.

  A bed sore has a high risk of infection. Make sure that the skin stays clean and dry to prevent the wound from getting infected. After toileting or after getting soiled, see to it that the skin is immediately cleaned.

  However, be careful not to rub the skin too hard. Doing so may lead to skin irritation. Use lukewarm water and mild soap when cleaning.

• Provide the best nutrition for your loved ones.

  Nutrition is also integral in preventing bed sores. Your bedridden family members should be consuming healthy meals. Good nutrition can promote good wound healing and overall health.

If you need someone to care for your bedridden loved one’s overall health at home, you can always count on the expertise of the home health professionals at Comfort and Care Health Services LLC. To get started with our services, please give us a call at 740-773-0063.