Bed sores, also known as pressure sores or decubitus ulcers, are areas of skin that form due to prolonged pressure and lack of circulation. When a person is bedridden or immobile for an extended period of time without changing their position regularly, the body weight pressing against the skin prevents air circulation and decreases blood flow to affected areas.
If left untreated, bed sores can progress from mild redness to exposed bones and even become infected with bacteria — proper preventative care should be taken whenever possible to avoid this potentially dangerous condition.
HOW DO BED SORES ARISE IN A NURSING HOME?
Bed sores can occur when a person is in the same position for too long. They are of particular concern in nursing homes, where it is possible for frail elderly residents to lie or sit unnoticed in one place for hours on end without stimulation or repositioning.
To help prevent these painful wounds from occurring, it is important that nursing home staff be vigilant of the safety of their residents and create care plans that include frequent movement and regular assessments of the skin. With these measures in place, families can rest assured that their loved ones are receiving the best possible care free from harm.
WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF BED SORES?
In extreme cases, bed sores can lead to infection, tissue damage, and even death. Other longer lasting consequences include loss of function in muscles and skin around the affected area, chronic pain, and discomfort, scarring and other disfigurement around the wound site, post operative complications such as wound contracture or increased susceptibility to other infections later on down the road.
Treating these sores requires full medical attention and regularly monitored healing processes. It is important for those who are vulnerable to bed sores – such as those with limited mobility, incontinence issues, the elderly or bed bound individuals – be diligent in seeking out preventative measures such as regular position changes and hygienic cleaning protocols at all times in order to lower their chances of developing these painful wounds.
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