Thanks Maria. Have a great trip=20 Timothy Thomas Home Care Assistance 514-907-5065 www.HomeCareAssistanceMontreal.ca > On Dec 1, 2014, at 8:37 PM, Maria Licoudis R.N wrote: >=20 > Prevention of Bedsores Is Key >=20 > Bedsores or ulcers are injuries to the patients' skin from prolonged press= ure on a particular area. It is caused most often on skin where bony areas a= re more prominent. Tail bone or coccyx, heels, shoulders, ankles, ears, knee= s, and elbows are frequently bedsore-prone. Patients with limited mobility o= r inability to change position are quick to develop them. As well, patients w= ho are elderly with fragile or thin and dry skin. Dehydration, dryness, urin= ary and bowel incontinence also may make skin prone to sores. Friction and b= eing dragged across a bed or chair can make skin fragile and prone to breaks= .=20 >=20 > Once a bed sore has formed, infection of the skin, bone and joints can occ= ur. Prevention is the key to maintaining proper skin integrity.=20 >=20 > As care givers, we have a responsibility to our clients to assess skin int= egrity often, therefore preventing bedsores. Steps we can take to keep our c= lients' skin healthy include; repositioning regularly and placing them in pr= oper position every hour. When bed-ridden, and during the night, reposition e= very two hours. A thirty degree tilt in bed is the optimum position. Placing= a transfer pad under the client can help to reposition and reduce friction a= nd shearing. Using gel or egg crate sitting pads for chairs and wheelchairs,= as well as egg crate mattresses, increases circulation to the skin. Do not p= osition the body on any bony areas. Use pillows and cushions to keep the bod= y straight. Incorporate as much passive and active exercise for the bed-ridd= en or limited mobility patient. Exercises increase the flow to all muscles. K= eeping our clients well nourished and hydrated helps keep skin plump and hea= lthy. Inspect your clients' skin for redness or dry areas on a daily basis. M= assage with non-perfumed creams several times a day. Incontinence and bedsor= es co-exist. The acidity in urine decomposes the skin and results in skin br= eakdown. Diapers or incontinent pads must be checked hourly and changed quic= kly.=20 >=20 > Bedsores are extremely painful and hard to heal once discovered. Preventin= g pressure sores is critical as it is easier to prevent them than to treat t= hem. As care-givers to the elderly, we must take the time daily to examine, c= are for, and be proactive in the prevention of bedsores. =20 >=20 >=20 >=20 >=20 >=20 > Maria Licoudis, Registered Nurse, C.N.C.C, N.M.C > Care Manager > Home Care Assistance > mlicoudis@homecareassistance.com > www.homecareassitancemontreal.ca > Cell: 514-773-1995 > Office: 514-907-5065