Many aging adults often find themselves lying on the bed or sitting on the sofa for long periods. While most of us already know the negative implications of this kind of sedentary lifestyle, for seniors, the effects can be much more severe due to the possibility of developing pressure ulcers.
Pressure ulcers are the type of wounds that develop due to prolonged pressure on the skin. Though it can happen to anyone, aging adults who are often confined to a bed or on wheelchairs are more likely to develop this kind of wound. The initial signs of pressure ulcers are persistent redness or discoloration on the skin as well as changes in the skin temperature and texture.
To prevent pressure ulcers from developing in your loved ones, it’s important to encourage them to move and not remain static. If they have trouble moving, help them change their positions at regular intervals. Be sure to be gentle when shifting them as rough movements can cause unnecessary friction and may lead to tears in skin tears. But these are good too:
- Moisturize your loved one’s skin often to hydrate it
- Use a soft sponge when bathing and avoid using talc
- Avoid restrictive clothes or those with thick seams
- Regularly check high-risk areas for pressure ulcers
Rely on a home health agency in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
If you can’t be with your loved one regularly, it’s also a good idea to hire registered nurses in Illinois who are well-versed in wound care. And Dependable Nursing Home Health Services, Inc., have exactly what you’re looking for.
Call us to learn more about our nursing and home health aide services.
