What Are The Factors That Put A Person More At Risk for Bedsores, Pressure Sores and Decubitus Ulcers?

Written by Adam Peck Category: Bed Sores January 26th, 2013 2 min read

Bedsore Risk Factors Vary

There are several factors that have been acknowledged as things that put a person more at risk of developing pressure sores, bedsores also known as Decubitus Ulcers.

As soon as a person is spotted as a high-risk individual, certain measures have to be taken to reduce or eliminate the risk of him or her developing bedsores, pressure sores and decubitus ulcers.

It is imperative that the care provider, whether it is a nurse or a family member, is knowledgeable about these risk factors in order to be able to prevent the unnecessary and painful development of pressure sores, bedsores and decubitus ulcers.

The risk factors will vary according to the patient’s specific circumstances; nevertheless, this is a list of the 5 most common risk factors:

Being confined to a bed, chair, or wheelchair:

Individuals who are confined to a bed, a chair, or a wheelchair, and who are not able to move by themselves, are at high risk of developing pressure sores extremely fast; in as little as a couple of hours, if the pressure is not relieved regularly.

Being unable to change positions without assistance:

Persons who are in a coma, who are paralyzed, and who are recovering from a hip fracture or other injury that limits mobility, are extremely prone to bed sores.

These patients must be moved consistently at regular intervals, and this is very difficult on caregivers, reason why it is imperative to get a pressure mattress to help both the patient and the caretaker.

Losing bowel or bladder control:

People who have to remain in bed for long periods of time or permanently and lose the capacity to control their bladder or bowels are in danger of getting bedsores because the continuous moisture on the skin due to urine, stool, or perspiration can irritate and weaken it.

Eating poorly, having an imbalanced diet and/or dehydration:

Pressure sores develop more easily when the body and skin of people who have lost most of their mobility are not adequately nurtured.

Losing mental awareness:

A person who is losing mental awareness may not have enough sensory perception or capacity to take action to prevent the development of pressure sores.

– from Steven Peck, Senior Attorney at Peck Law Group

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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.