Prevention of Bedsores Is Key Bedsores or ulcers are injuries to the patients' skin from prolonged pressur= e on a particular area. It is caused most often on skin where bony areas are= more prominent. Tail bone or coccyx, heels, shoulders, ankles, ears, knees,= and elbows are frequently bedsore-prone. Patients with limited mobility or i= nability to change position are quick to develop them. As well, patients who= are elderly with fragile or thin and dry skin. Dehydration, dryness, urinar= y and bowel incontinence also may make skin prone to sores. Friction and bei= ng dragged across a bed or chair can make skin fragile and prone to breaks.=20= Once a bed sore has formed, infection of the skin, bone and joints can occur= . Prevention is the key to maintaining proper skin integrity.=20 As care givers, we have a responsibility to our clients to assess skin integ= rity often, therefore preventing bedsores. Steps we can take to keep our cli= ents' skin healthy include; repositioning regularly and placing them in prop= er position every hour. When bed-ridden, and during the night, reposition ev= ery 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 an= d shearing. Using gel or egg crate sitting pads for chairs and wheelchairs, a= s well as egg crate mattresses, increases circulation to the skin. Do not po= sition the body on any bony areas. Use pillows and cushions to keep the body= straight. Incorporate as much passive and active exercise for the bed-ridde= n 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 Bedsores are extremely painful and hard to heal once discovered. Preventing p= ressure sores is critical as it is easier to prevent them than to treat them= . As care-givers to the elderly, we must take the time daily to examine, car= e for, and be proactive in the prevention of bedsores. =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=