Immobilization Is the Number One Reason For Bed Sores, Pressure Sores and Decubitus Ulcers

Written by Adam Peck Category: Elder Law January 26th, 2013 3 min read

Bedsores, also known as decubitus ulcers or pressure sores, happen when the blood supply is cut off from the skin for more then two to three hours. The skin will turn red and painful at first, then a deeper color, next the skin will open up and usually become infected says California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Steven C. Peck.

Immobilization is the number one reason for these pressure sores. Lying on pressure points, often referred to as bony prominences, such as ankles, heels, hip bones, elbows, shoulders, back, inside and outside of knees, coccyx/tail bone, and back of the head for an extended length of time can cause breakdown of the skin indicates California Elder Abuse Lawyer Steven C. Peck.

In long term care (nursing home), hospital and the private home, turning is crucial, for a bed bound or chair bound person. In nursing facilities, certified caregivers are trained to understand the cause and prevention of decubitus ulcers.

If a patient or resident is bed ridden and not able to turn on their own, caregivers should turn them at least every two hours from side, back, side, respectively. This continues round the clock. Pillows will be placed between the knees and ankles. If lying on their back a pillow will be placed under the feet of the resident/patient with their heels hanging off the edge of the pillow but not touching the bed in order to prevent heels from breaking down. Repositioning is a huge deterrent to prevent and/or help heal pressure sores. Pressure relieving mattress’ are recommended for compromised patients.

If a patient or resident is chair bound, ulcers are very common on the coccyx area. Providing them a pressure relieving cushion and encouraging to reposition slightly, to lay in bed, move to another chair every two hours or more, can help prevent these painful and sometimes debilitating wounds.

In the home setting, family members often times care for their loved ones yet many are not trained to understand how to prevent these wounds from occurring. Skin care, repositioning, and pressure relieving cushions/mattress are very important in preventing decubiti.

Other preventatives which are very important are, nutrition, clean dry linens, clean dry skin, as well as frequent mobilization.

Decubitus ulcers, Bed Sores and Pressure Sores can be treated. If the skin is broken open the treatment becomes more in depth and will always depend on the severity of the wound. Several different treatments may be needed, which a physician or ostomy nurse should recommend.

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.