Bed sores and pressure ulcers are the result of unrelieved pressure. They are most often found on patients in long term care facilities such as nursing homes. If left untreated they can cause serious problems including death.
They generally start with a small red area and if not attended to can progress very rapidly into open sores. Once developed they can be staged according to their size and depth. The sores are usually found on the back, tail bone, hips, elbows and head. Patients in long term care facilities often have other medical conditions which further complicate recovery from bed sores and pressure ulcers. This is more the reason for prevention. Patients need to be turn and rotated on a regular basis to relieve pressure points. They should be observed and inspected to prevent red areas from becoming open sores. Neglect and improper nursing care are key reasons for development of bed sores. For some patients a special bed is needed to prevent them.
If you have a love one in a nursing home make sure they are receiving adequate care to prevent sores. If they do develop, be sure there is a qualified wound care specialist on staff. They are preventable and our love ones should not have to suffer with them.
Richard J. Arsenault, 2011
