Long-term care

THE PROLEM OF PRESSURE SORES IN PATIENT CARE. WHY IS IT WORTH USING ANTI-PRESSURE SORE MATTRESSES??

As a result of staying in one position for a long time, blood circulation may become disturbed. The pressure exerted on the veins and arteries leads to tissue necrosis, called pressure ulcers. Inflammations are very painful and worsen the quality of life of patients. If left untreated and uncared for, they may lead to the formation of ulcers. People who are most at risk of developing pressure ulcers are those who have problems with mobility, are of mature age (75+), have diabetes, have abnormal body weight (obesity, underweight), are in a wheelchair and are bedridden.

Proper prophylaxis prevents this dangerous disease, the treatment of which is long-lasting and painful. You need to remember to choose the right medical equipment, proper skin care, diet and regular changes in body position.

A BED TAILORED TO THE PATIENT’S NEEDS AND ANTI-BEDSORE MATTRESSES

Undoubtedly, the most important aspect in caring for an immobilized patient is a bed adapted to their individual needs. It is important that the bed has adjustable level and backrest angle. This will allow the patient to adapt to the activity performed, e.g. eating or getting up. In addition, raising the backrest allows for better communication with the surroundings, prevents leg swelling and improves breathing. An extremely convenient solution would be an electric bed, controlled by a remote control. However, if the bed is not adjustable, an irreplaceable piece of medical equipment will be a back support, which is light and handy, so if necessary, it can be easily placed under the patient’s back. It has an adjustable angle of inclination, a headrest and is finished with a soft fabric, making it pleasant to the skin. The width of the support is 62.5 cm, so it will be suitable even for a tall person.

However, no bed will fulfill its purpose if it is not equipped with an appropriate anti-bedsore mattress. Such a mattress has a variable pressure system and is intended for people who spend more than 15 hours a day in bed. Such a specialized mattress is inflated and alternately compresses the body in an appropriate rhythm, which helps avoid prolonged vascular pressure. Variable pressure makes the mattress adapt to the shape of the body. The use of a variable pressure mattress is intended to complement the turning of the patient at regular intervals. The advantage of such a mattress is its durability and lightness of structure, as it is able to provide comfort of use to people weighing up to 160 kg. In terms of cleaning, it is better than a traditional mattress because it is enough to wipe it with a cloth soaked in a mild detergent or disinfectant liquid.

THE PROBLEM OF PRESSURE SORES IN PATIENT CARE. PROPER SKIN CARE.

Pressure sores may appear in patients who spend long periods of time in a sitting or lying position and have limited mobility. The problem of bedsores is painful and significantly worsens the quality of life, and the treatment of inflammation can be long-lasting. In anti-bedsore prevention, it is not only important to select appropriate medical equipment, but also direct body care with specialized products intended for sensitive and irritated skin.

Proper body hygiene starts with washing. Pharmedis soap with nanosilver and white clay cleanses gently and effectively. White clay soothes inflammation, and nanosilver has fungicidal properties, so it effectively supports the fight against existing pressure sores.
The next step is to gently dry the body with a cotton towel. Remember not to rub the material vigorously on the skin to avoid irritation.  The final stage of care is to apply an anti-bedsore balm with mud. Mud accelerates wound healing and regeneration of the epidermis, while the natural oils contained in the balm intensively moisturize and oil the skin, thus preventing abrasions.

This way, the patient’s skin will remain clean and moisturized for a long time, will not lose its elasticity, and functioning will become easier. It is worth remembering to choose products with a pump for our convenience, so that we always take the right amount of product.