Development of bedsores on a loved one is not an easy ordeal to go through. Bedsores are very painful and most of the time need multiple months’ worth of treatment before healing completely. And if that’s not enough, bedsores could be fatal if not taken care of immediately, which is why it’s very important that all of the family members get involved in knowing how to treat bedsores.

There are few practical methods that can help you treat bedsores should the need arise. Aside from that, these methods also determine whether the loved one is getting the appropriate care and attention from the hospital staff or nursing home. In addition, it is highly recommended that you arm yourself with information regarding the rights of a bedsore patient, as these sores are a clear indication of neglect by the staff should the loved one be in a nursing home or hospital. You will have the power to hold the facilities accountable for the pain caused by using the said legal rights.

Two Methods for Preventing Bedsores

Move – Typically, the patient should be moved roughly every 15 minutes in order to keep the pressure off the sore. If the frequency of movement is not possible for the patient, he/she needs to be moved every 2 hours at least. Special mattresses, special chairs and foam blocks can help keep the patient comfortable during repositioning.

Special Mattress – A pressure relief mattress can be used to alleviate the occurrence of bedsores. They are a solution that eliminates the need for constant moving and adjustment to the simple fact that they adjust to the pressure of the body exerted by the patient.

Hospitals and nursing homes have guidelines that are very specific when it comes to preventing bedsores. Therefore, if a bedsore is found on your loved one, it could be concluded that someone wasn’t doing the job very well. These kinds of practices are so unacceptable that most insurance companies refuse to pay doctors for treatment.

The reason why it’s unacceptable is simply due to the fact that it’s far easier to prevent bedsores than to treat them. With the variety of techniques and solutions such as your average pressure relief mattress, there’s no reason for bedsores to cause problems. In typical cases, these sores are simply the byproducts of negligence and carelessness.

Fortunately, it’s not just the insurance companies that are taking the stand against such behavior. Patients and their families have also stood up to the courts to hold the respective facilities accountable for the amount of suffering and the pain that was caused because of the bed sores. Some hospitals, in an effort to defend themselves, insist on claims that sometimes bedsores are unavoidable; however, these are simply untrue.

Even when a bedridden patient is comfortable and constantly repositioned with a bariatric mattress, working with them to apply ROM, or “range of motion ” exercises, can increase their comfort level even further as well as helping to improve circulation and keep joints flexible. ROM exercises can be done at home by a caregiver once they have been properly instructed in the technique, or by a trained therapist who comes to your home.

ROM exercises are generally referred to as either active or passive.  Totally immobile patients, who face the threat of pressure sores, will be in need of passive ROMs, meaning they are unable to perform the exercises themselves.  In less severe cases, where there is still some mobility, the exercises are more active-assisted, meaning the patient and a caregiver work at them together.  Consultation between the patient, caretaker, and health care professional are vital to creating the best possible program for each individual.

For those caring for bedridden patients, the idea of performing a therapeutic exercise routine can seem overwhelming and frightening.  With the proper training, however, it can become a very positive and rewarding experience for both caregiver and patient.  Here are a few hints to help you get started.
-Learn how to do the exercises from a qualified professional, and practice on them before doing the exercises with your patient.
-Position the bed height so it is comfortable for you without straining your back, arms or other muscles.  Stand or sit as straight as possible and pay attention to your breathing, keeping it deep and steady.  Keep your hips in a straight line under your shoulders and try to keep your stomach muscles tight.
-Be sure to lock the wheels of the bed or wheelchair in place to avoid accident or injury.
-Begin slowly and work the muscles and joints gently.  Pay attention to your patient’s comfort to avoid pain by forcing or jerking muscles and joints.  Stop if you sense that the exercises are causing pain.
-Move the joint only to the point of no resistance, that is, to the point where you can’t bend it any further.
-Try to make the exercise a part of the daily routine, and at a time that is convenient and unhurried for both of you.
-Start the exercises at the top of the head and work down to the toes.  When you are finished the entire body will be relaxed and comfortable.
-Doing the exercises in the same order every day will help make the regime easier to remember and make the routine flow more smoothly.
-Always follow the exercise program that has been set out by your doctor or health care professional.  Changing or eliminating parts of the program could result in the loss of effectiveness and leave your loved one vulnerable to pain, discomfort and injury.
-Keep a positive attitude during the routine and be as encouraging and supportive as possible.
When the exercise routine is over be sure to leave the individual in a comfortable and relaxed position.

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