“How are bed sores treated in the elderly?”
My grandfather is bedridden for the past 10 days. For now, he's on a water bed, but he is still getting bed sores. What can we do?
2 Answers
There are a number of key things to prevent bedsores. First, taking pressure off the area, which at the end of life is often impossible, but rolling off of the area can help. Optimal nutrition is critical yet sometimes not practical. Circulating air allowing the area to dry is important as well. You did not mention your grandfather's age, but age plays a role in a person's ability to do what they desire. Hospice is a service for end-of-life care that provides support for the patient's goal of care, which should be honored. Hospice also helps the family deal with complex issues such as bedsores, which are a challenging problem that responds poorly to traditional medical approaches due to the unfortunate realities of life being a finite time frame. Goals of comfort being emphasized at that stage of a patient's life are critical, as well as dignity and peace. With advanced age, many body systems could be better, but support from family is vital. I encourage you to enjoy being with him and talk about happier times and experiences. Sharing time and presence with your grandfather will bring him joy and emotional comfort. Explore hospice as an option and discuss it with your family, and think about what your grandfather would tell you, what he would want you to do, or what you would like if you were in a similar situation. Also, don't fear death if he is suffering with no likelihood of improving his pain, and suffering goes away with the final transition. God bless and guide you in this decision, which is all too often faced in our society.
Pressure ulcers, commonly known as bed sores, have an increased rate in people who are bed bound. Water beds or air mattresses do provide some benefit, however, they are not able to completely eliminate the risk. There are many measures you could take as a care provider to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. Recommend reaching out to his primary care physician to obtain professional resources to get guidance, help, education, and training to care for your grandfather.
