Measures to Avoid Pressure Injuries

Issues arising from staying in bed for long periods can be significant. For those recovering from surgery, or living with certain disabilities or illness, one may be at risk of pressure injuries. Usually called pressure sores or ulcers, these cause discomfort and pain.

Sites of the body where bone has only a thin layer of skin tissue are most at risk. These include ankles, knees, elbows, hips, heels and the tailbone. Often these areas become inflamed before the skin breaks.

Sustained pressure restricts the blood vessels supplying the skin with nutrients and oxygen. This pressure damages the flow of blood cells, leading to localised skin death. This manifests itself as a pressure sore.

There are four grades of pressure ulcer. Symptoms range from reddening of the skin, through to wounds which penetrates right through the various layers of skin. In the most serious cases, the lesion may be as deep as the underlying bone or muscle. If left untreated these sores can become infected and lead to secondary problems.

When a patient is bedbound following an operation or because of chronic illness, they are most vulnerable. Fleece pads for the heels, ankles and other parts of the body are available. These act as cushions, reducing the risk of sore development.

Someone using a wheelchair might benefit from a pressure relief cushion. They are available in different depths and dimensions to fit most chairs. Various types are available, ranging from foam based units, to those which are air-filled and require inflation.

Some cushions have pockets of gel within them. These have weight distributing qualities which ease stress on the body. Often the main part of the cushion is foam, with gel section or sections within it.

Another design is the ‘nodular’ pressure relief cushion. These have nodules or pockets filled with air, foam or gel, which allow air to move in between them. As well as their pressure distribution properties, this air circulation is great for keeping the backside cool.

Other Useful Equipment if You Are Spending a Long Time In bed

Getting dressed unaided is another problem encountered by people with restricted mobility. Stroke often leave people with reduced dexterity in certain parts of their body.

This may make it difficult to put on and take off clothes. While in many cases one might need a carer to help, there are tools which make it easier to dress oneself. ‘Dressing sticks’ for example have a hook and loop on the end and are useful in a variety of ways to aid the user. They are especially useful if you suffer with inflexibility of the upper body.

Other devices help with putting on socks and shoes. While these require practice, they do work for many people.

An overbed table is another piece of equipment which is useful if you’re spending prolonged periods in bed. These are height adjustable so they can be set to suit most beds.

Similar to those found on hospital wards, they have legs and feet which roll or slide under the bed, positioning the table top above the bed-covers. When not in use, they are easy to roll out of the way.

Great for books, laptops, meals and drinks, an overbed table is a great piece of kit if you’re stuck in bed. Some can be set to tilt at an angle of your choice, which can be good for tablet screens or open books and magazines.

Many have a ridge extending around the edge of the table top. This prevents objects from sliding or rolling off onto the floor.

Be careful to ensure that any overbed table you choose has the correct weight capacity for its intended use. The models found in hospitals tend to be more robust than domestic versions.

Derry has been working in the mobility aids industry since 2003, acquiring a wealth of knowledge along the way. Before Essential Aids, Derry's background was in engineering. In his spare time he is a devotee of yoga and rare reggae vinyl.