For individuals with reduced mobility or those confined to beds and chairs for prolonged periods, pressure sores or pressure ulcers can be a genuine concern. These painful lesions result from sustained pressure on specific parts of the body, such as the heels, hips, and sacrum. UK residential care homes employ various pressure care products and solutions to alleviate these issues, ensuring the safety and comfort of their residents – here are some of the most indemand solution being discussed at the upcoming Care Forum…

1. Pressure-Relieving Mattresses:
   • Purpose: These specialised mattresses are designed to redistribute the user’s weight evenly. They can be made from foam, gel, or air-filled chambers that can be adjusted to optimise pressure distribution.
   • Usage: Commonly used for bedridden patients or those who spend significant time in bed.
2. Pressure Relief Cushions:
   • Purpose: Like the mattresses, these cushions, made from foam, gel, or air, provide optimal weight distribution.
   • Usage: Typically utilised on wheelchairs or regular chairs to prevent pressure sores for residents who sit for extended periods.
3. Heel Protectors and Elbow Pads:
   • Purpose: These padded devices wrap around the heels or elbows, offering extra cushioning and reducing pressure.
   • Usage: Particularly beneficial for residents with existing pressure sores or those at high risk.
4. Air-Flow Boots and Blankets:
   • Purpose: These products provide ventilation, reducing moisture and friction against the skin.
   • Usage: Used for residents with very high risks of pressure sores, especially in the heel and lower leg area.
5. Turning and Repositioning Systems:
   • Purpose: Automated systems that gently turn immobile patients at regular intervals to reduce sustained pressure on vulnerable areas.
   • Usage: Primarily for patients with severe mobility issues or those recovering from intensive surgeries or traumas.
6. Lateral Rotation Mattresses:
   • Purpose: These mattresses slowly rotate the resident from side to side, reducing the need for manual turning.
   • Usage: Suitable for residents with spinal injuries or those with a high risk of pulmonary complications.
7. Pressure Mapping Systems:
   • Purpose: These electronic systems detect and display pressure points in real-time, helping caregivers adjust cushions, mattresses, or patient positioning.
   • Usage: Employed during assessments to personalise pressure relief strategies for each resident.
8. Skin Care Products:
   • Purpose: Special creams and lotions that moisturise the skin and act as barriers against friction and shear.
   • Usage: Daily application for residents with dry or delicate skin prone to pressure sores.

Pressure care is paramount in residential care homes. With a comprehensive range of products and solutions available, caregivers can ensure the dignity, comfort, and health of their residents. Regular assessments and timely interventions are crucial, given the severity and rapid onset of pressure-related complications.

With the right approach and equipment, care homes can offer an enhanced quality of life for their residents, minimising the risk of pressure sores and the complications they bring.

If you’re researching Pressure care solutions for your care home business, the Care Forum can help.

Image by Adriana Morales from Pixabay