Pressure ulcers can begin as an annoyance for many seniors, but they can develop into a significant health issue for older adults over time. Most bedsores are due to being bedridden or inactive, or they can result from sitting in chairs for most of the day and night. However, there are steps seniors can take, including the strategies mentioned below, to reduce their risk of bedsores and other health issues.
Stay Active
The more aging adults move, the less likely they are to develop pressure ulcers. Physical activity promotes circulation, which staves off the formation of bedsores. However, being active involves more than walking down the stairs and getting up from a couch or wheelchair. Your elderly parent will need to do motion exercises and activities that work out the shoulders, hips, legs, and tailbone. Encourage your loved one to walk or take up yoga, dancing, water aerobics, and other low-impact exercises. Being the primary caregiver for a loved one can be challenging, especially if you have other responsibilities. In Des Moines, respite care is a great help to many families. Caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times, which puts family caregivers at risk for burnout. However, an in-home caregiver can take over your loved one’s care, allowing you the time you need to focus on your own health, maintain a full-time job, or care for other members of your family.
Practice Good Skin Hygiene
Keeping your loved one’s skin dry and clean could lower the odds of pressure ulcers, especially if he or she is experiencing incontinence issues. The skin can degrade and develop excoriation quickly because urine and bowel movements typically stay in contact with the skin. Help your loved one wipe him or herself properly to remove acids and enzymes from his or her skin after having bowel movements and urinating. Doing so could prevent your parent’s skin from being dirty and wet, which lowers the odds of pressure ulcers. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading Des Moines home care service agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
Follow a Healthy Diet
The foods elderly people consume can damage their circulatory systems and cause pressure ulcers to develop and worsen over time. Ensure your loved one consumes more fruits and vegetables than processed items and sugary treats and beverages. Keep in mind conditions like diabetes can increase the risk of pressure ulcers in the elderly. However, a nutritious diet can help your loved one handle the disease, boost his or her heart health and immune system, and increase his or her healing abilities. A healthy diet full of fiber, protein, vitamins, and other nutrients can lead to better circulation and prevent bedsores from forming.
Move Around More in Bed
Your loved one may be bedridden due to a chronic health condition or because he or she is recovering from an illness or injury. While lying in bed, your parent needs to move as much as possible without hurting his or her bones and muscles. You can assist your loved one by changing his or her position as often as possible. For example, turning your loved one from one side to the other could increase circulation and stave off bedsores. In addition to moving your parent around, make sure his or her sheets are always clean. If possible, try to sit your loved one up or allow his or her feet to hang over the side of the bed from time to time. A professional caregiver can be a fantastic resource when you need help lifting and repositioning your loved one. If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care,Home CareAssistance is here to help. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors. To learn about our revolutionary in-home care plans, call us at (515) 264-2438 today.
