Did you know that approximately 11% of all residents in nursing homes in the U.S. develop pressure ulcers? Pressure ulcers are also known as bedsores, and are considered as serious medical conditions that can highly affect one's medical health and limit one's capabilities. If you are concerned that a family member or loved one may be affected by pressure ulcers, it may be time to take with an occupational therapist regarding possible treatment methods that can help prevent the pressure ulcers from developing. This article will take a look at the fundamentals of pressure ulcers and how occupational therapy can help. 

What Exactly Is a Pressure Ulcer?

Most people know that a pressure ulcer is also known as a bed sore; however, most people are not familiar with how pressure ulcers form and why they form. To make it simple, pressure ulcers are simply damaged tissues caused by staying in the same spot for a prolonged period of time without moving around. Due to the lack of blood circulation, some parts of the tissues do not receive enough oxygen or energy, and as a result begin to decay.

Pressure ulcers can be caused by the following:

  • Prolonged, unrelieved pressure. This happens when a person is lying on the same spot for a prolonged period of time. The pressure limits blood flow to the skin and nearby tissues.
  • Shearing or friction. This happens when the affected individual's skin either rubs together with a surface (like the bed) or is dragged across a surface.

The staff at nursing homes will need to frequently inspect and examine patients in order to ensure that they have not developed any pressure ulcers, as they can cause other serious medical conditions and negative side effects.

How Can Occupational Therapy Help Prevent Pressure Ulcers?

Since the underlying cause of pressure ulcers has been identified as simply staying in the same position for a prolonged period of time, occupational therapy is a cost-efficient and effective approach in preventing the ulcers from developing in the first place. Before beginning, a specialized care plan will need to be designed for each patient based on his or her capabilities and needs. Occupational therapy is designed to ensure that all muscles receive some form of stimulation, so that blood circulation can adequately flow throughout the body. 

Common occupational therapies recommended involve repositioning the body every so often. Occupational therapists will be able to help you understand which positions may be most comfortable for the patient, and how you can safely move the patient without causing any injury. Positions that are most effective for promoting blood circulation will also be introduced. Highly recommended positions include:

  • Sitting the individual in a chair. By placing an individual in a seated position, small shifts in weight can be made every 15 minutes with ease. This will not only promote blood flow, but will also help work out the muscles.
  • Turning the individual towards his or her stomach at a 30 degree angle.

While these positions are considered most effective in preventing pressure ulcers, it is important to also ask the affected individuals whether they are comfortable or not. If the patient is still mobile, occupational therapists will prescribe different exercise routines that will help work out all parts of the body. Nursing homes should have separate schedules and routines mapped out for each patient.

Conclusion

Designing a comfortable care plan with the patient is crucial. Keep in mind that each patient has the right to refuse treatment and care. As a result, it is important to consult with your loved one regarding the importance of participating in these occupational therapies, and also spend some time uncovering the basis of his or her refusal. Different types of occupational therapy routines and treatments, such as body positioning, will be recommended based on each patient's comfort level and physical capability in the nursing homes for a more comfortable living experience.

If you're looking for a nursing home for your loved one, visit Regina Nursing Center.

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