Pressure sores can be a massive problem for a number of wheelchair users. Read on to find out who is more prone to pressure sores and why.
Who is more prone to pressure sores?
- People with restricted mobility e.g. wheelchair users
- People who have previously had pressure sores
- People who are not able to easily reposition themselves
A lot of these factors apply to the elderly. It is the elderly that are commonly left with restricted mobility and often left bed ridden or in a wheelchair. The elderly don't have the strength to reposition themselves or they have a cognitive disease that causes them to forget to regularly reposition themselves. Alongside the internal and eternal factors, the elderly are more susceptible to pressure injuries than other group.
What are the common problems when caring for an elderly patient with pressure ulcers?
Caring for the elderly in general is not easy, but caring for an elderly patient with pressure ulcers comes with its own set of problems.
- Elderly with pressure sores need more time to be taken care of, which can be more expensive.
- The hospital stay is increased by 5-8 days, which again can be more expensive.
- There is an increased demand for reposting and posture changes.
- The importance of the sitting position of the wheelchair and sleeping position increases.
Statistics show that 71% of ulcers occur in patients older than 70 years which is why it is so important to understand what makes this group more vulnerable to pressure ulcers and what methods are there to prevent it.
The elderly are typically more susceptible to getting pressure sores either because they lack the strength to adjust their sitting position or they have a cognitive disease that causes them to forget to reposition themselves.
The right fitting wheelchair can help prevent pressure ulcers
Understanding why elderly wheelchair users are more prone to pressure sores than other wheelchair groups is the first step to preventing it.
Click to read more about pressure sores and how to prevent them.
Originally published on karmamedical.co.nz