Correct posture for the elderly to prevent pressure sores

Pressure sores are a rather troublesome problem in elderly care. Pressure sores can cause ulcers and necrosis of the locally compressed skin, and even cause sepsis, which is life-threatening. Correct posture can allow normal blood circulation in the limbs, thereby preventing problems such as pressure sores. How we reduce such complications? Here are some prevention methods. Please follow me to take a look.

The relationship between posture and pressure sores:

Pressure sores are prone to occur on bony protrusions and pressure areas that lack the protection of fat tissue, such as the sacrum, buttocks, heels, etc. These areas are the main points where the body's weight is borne. Different lying and sitting positions will lead to different pressure points, thereby increasing the risk of pressure sores. If the posture is improper, local tissues of the body will be under pressure for a long time, leading to blood circulation disorders, continuous ischemia, hypoxia, and malnutrition of local tissues, as well as soft tissue ulceration and necrosis. Therefore, maintaining the same posture for a long time, especially the pressure on bony protrusions, is an important factor in the occurrence of pressure sores.

Common locations of pressure sores:

1. Supine position: occipital protuberance, scapula, elbows, vertebral protuberance, sacrum, and heels.

2. Side-lying position: ears, acromion, elbows, ribs, hips, medial and lateral sides of the knee and medial and lateral malleolus.

3. Prone position: ears, cheeks, shoulders, female breasts, male genitals, iliac crest, knees, toes.

4. Sitting position: Ischial tuberosity.

5. Other common areas: tailbone or hips, shoulder blades, spine, back of arms, and back of legs where they rest on the wheelchair.

Posture adjustment suggestions:

1. Lie on your back: Use a pillow to support the affected side, so that it is facing upward; straighten your elbow, palm up, and place your hand beside you;

Place another pillow under the elder's affected knee to slightly bend it.

2. Prone: Tilt your head to the side to facilitate breathing; place your hands on the side of your head or body; place a thin pillow under your head, shoulders, chest, and ankles to increase your breathing.

3. Lying on your side: Reduce the contact between your knees to avoid joint deformation; keep your shoulders forward as much as possible, and straighten your elbows and fingers; straighten your arms and slightly bend your knees.

4. Sitting posture: The back should have sufficient support and remain straight; the upper limbs should be placed flat on the table or supported by pillows; the knee joints should be kept at 90 degrees (right angles), and the feet should be placed flat on the ground or on a footrest.

Use appropriate aids:

Use cushions or special mattresses to relieve pressure and help ensure your body is in a good position. Adjust the height of your bed, and if the head of the bed can be raised, do not raise it more than 30 degrees. This helps prevent shear forces.

Diet and care recommendations:

Moderate exercise: stretch and move the joints to promote blood circulation in the limbs and avoid muscle atrophy.

Turn over regularly: For the elderly who have been bedridden for a long time, they should turn over and change their body position every two hours.

Diet: Eat more nutritious, high-protein foods such as meat, eggs, milk, and beans to keep your skin healthy.

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Editor: kiki Jia