Bedsore

How do you care for your elders when they are sick or bedridden? Do you have the patience in taking care of them? Some elders who are sick especially bedridden are irritable, and they are quite upsetting because of their unpredictable behavior. What is the level of your tolerance in adjusting yourself in order to understand that the actions of elders who are in such a situation should be understood no matter how it hurts and how difficult to take care of them. If you love your elders and they are in this condition, this is the perfect time to let them feel your love and care for them. Just think that when you were a baby, you were almost at the same situation, only you were a baby then and your elder is old now. Better said than done, but love can conquer all difficulties. 

Below is an advice from an expert, a doctor, on how to take care of your sick elders especially when they have bedsores:

Bedsore is caused with a serious position resulting from lying in one position in bed over a long period of illness. When a person is lying in bed, most of the weight of the body bears down on just a few small areas. The pressure reduces the blood supply to the soft tissues and skin in the affected areas. Under prolonged pressure the soft tissue and skin begin to break down. 

The first sign of trouble is usually local skin redness, which disappears if pressure is applied with a finger. At a later stage, the area feels somewhat hard and the skin has a bluish tinge. If untreated, an ulcer finally develops. A neglected ulcer may cause so much tissue, damage that the bone underneath may be exposed. 

Elderly patients are most likely to suffer from bedsores, which are also called decubitus ulcers. Also highly susceptible are bedridden patients whose skin is sensitive because of a nervous or circulatory ailment and those for whom paralysis makes change of position impossible. 

If the patient cannot change his own body position frequently, he should be helped to do so - this is most important. Assistance should be gentle and slow and prolonged pressure on the bony parts should be avoided. Continued pressure from the bed can be relieved by improvising little cushions or pads made of soft clean material or of pieces of foam rubber wrapped in a handkerchief. These pads should be placed under the back of the heels, the elbows and the ears. A rubber air ring covered with an absorbent cloth can be placed under the buttocks if the patient is lying on his back or under the hipbones if he is lying on his side. 

Bedsores are easier to prevent than cure. There are several procedures that should be followed by anyone caring for a patient immobilized in bed at home for a long time. The patient's skin should be kept clean and healthy by frequent bed baths and massaging. Powdering the exposed areas of skin with plain talc is also a good preventive measure, but be sure to pat off excess powder to prevent caking. Sheets should lie absolutely smooth and be kept dry and free of any crumbs or irritants. (ref: Dr. Benjamin F. Miller M.D. Family Guide and Medical Encyclopedia)

Hope this can help if you are taking care of your elders with bedsores.