There are numerous types of injuries senior citizens can sustain in nursing homes. One of the most common is bed sores.
Loved ones need to pay attention to the warning signs someone suffers in a nursing home. Bed sores can be difficult to spot, especially if the senior typically lies in bed all day. These sores can be painful, so it is critical to take immediate action when you identify them.
Primary causes
Bed sores develop constant pressure becomes applied to a single area of the body for an extended amount of time. They most often manifest on the buttocks, tailbone and lower back.
There are various ways to prevent bed sores from developing in the first place. The staff at the nursing home should receive training to make sure no one gets painful sores. Some of the most common ways to prevent bed sores include:
- Dress the person in soft clothing
- Treat the skin gently when you need to apply creams and lotions
- Cushion sensitive areas of the body with pillows
- Keep the skin clean and dry
- Turn the patient over every hour to alleviate pressure
Early signs of bed sores
Treatment is possible as long as someone can find the bed sores early enough. Senior citizens may not be able to look at every inch of their body themselves to find sores. When examining the body, it is critical to focus on areas where tissues become stressed the most. It is common to find patches of skin that have turned red, blue or purple. Additionally, a pressure sore may feel abnormally hot or cold when touched compared to the rest of the body. Additionally, you should pay attention if a loved one complains about increased sensitivity or discomfort in a certain area. Even if the tingling sensation is minor, it is worth checking out.