Bed sores or pressure ulcers, as they are known in the medical world, are an area of the skin (sometimes underneath the tissue) that’s become damaged due to significant pressure.
Often these develop around bony areas of the skin, they occur because insufficient blood supply is carried around the area so it is starved of nutrients and oxygen. Unfortunately pressure sores are becoming more common in the older generation. Those who are residents of care homes are particularly vulnerable, pressure ulcers are typically a result of spending long periods in bed, hence where the term ‘bed sores’ has evolved. Lying or sitting in the same position for long periods of time combined with the weak, thin, dry or damaged skin means bed sores become far more likely. The older generation, especially those that suffer other illnesses are far more likely to get pressure sores. Conditions that include skin irritation, blood flow conditions, immobility issues, incontinence and diseases that affect the mind causing the patient to not remember or not ask for help. Dementia is also a massive contributor to the progress of bed sores, this often comes because:
How to Spot the signs? Red patches anywhere on the ski, commonly found around bony areas like elbows, that do not disappear under a light finger press, these can be an early sign of pressure ulcers. Usually these areas are painful, hot and hard to the touch. Never ignore early signs of pressure sores. Sometimes, those with darker skin are harder to diagnose. Pressure ulcers can show up as patched with a slight purple or blue tint, they do not go away and have similar characteristics. While helping those with dementia dress or washing, check areas around the heels, ankles, hips, spine, shoulders, elbow and back of the head for signs of pressure sores. If you believe you have spotted something worrying, contact a GP immediately. How to Treat Pressure Ulcers? If sores are spotted early, they can usually be treated and returned to normal by simply not putting any further pressure on the area. Cushions or pads can be used to aid recovery but advice should be taken to consider sitting/lying position during recovery and afterwards. When the skin has broken, it becomes a category 2, this requires further investigation to ensure the correct treatment is provided. The goal is always to ensure that the problem does not become chronic. Pressure ulcers are extremely painful, so relief is important, generally paracetamol is the most effective. Some ulcers can become chronic and infected, making them even more painful and sometimes resulting in blood poisoning and bone infections. General Pressure Sore Victims
Not all Ulcers Are Created Equally When someone is approaching the end of their life, their skin often becomes irritated, it’s breaking down and so is very susceptible to mottling, damage, thinness and conditions like pressure ulcers. Usually these are completely unavoidable at this stage of a person’s life. Typically, careers will prepare the family for conditions such as this, especially when a patient suffers from dementia. What you can do about it Depending on the situation at hand, pressure sores can cause significant distress to a victim. Although caring for them and making their life as comfortable as possible. Once the person is being properly cared for some situations may warrant a complaint or a file for compensation to enable the person to be cared for more adequately. Some law firms specialize in getting pressure sore compensation for those that have suffered neglect in care homes. You can gain all the advice you need and potentially receive compensation that will enable you to get the care and help anyone who has suffered deserves.
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