Columbia Aged Care

Bed sores can be a common problem in elderly people, which can lead to pain and discomfort for your loved one. Bed sores are the result of prolonged pressure to the skin, which prevents a sufficient amount of blood flow and nutrients to the skin tissue. Ulcerations or sores then develop on the skin, typically over bony prominences.

Bedsores can develop if your loved one is bedridden or sitting for a prolonged period of time without being properly repositioned. Common areas for bed sores to look out for are hipbones, lower back, tail-bone, knees and shoulders. 

www.bedsores.org has provided some useful information on the risk factors for developing bedsores.

Confinement to bed, chair or wheelchair
If your loved one is unable to move themselves then they can develop bedsores in as little as 1-2 hours if the pressure is not relieved.

Loss of bowel or bladder control
Moisture on your loved ones skin from urine or perspiration can irritate the skin.

Poor nutrition or dehydration
If your loved one’s skin is not properly nourished bed sores can develop.

Carers must be aware of these risk factors when caring for their loved ones in order to prevent the unnecessary development of bed sores. Bedsores can be prevented if your loved one is repositioned frequently, bathed appropriately and any incontinence problems assessed and treated.

Remember that everyone is different and may have different risk factors and treatment options.

Read the full article here.

Lower back pain (LBP) is a very common medical problem. There are many causes of LBP including injuries, diseases and degeneration. Poor posture accelerates degenerative changes of the spine hence proper posture is very important.

Good posture helps to prevent injuries and unnecessary fatigue that can occur when the body is not in proper alignment. If you are suffering from LBP, evaluation by a doctor would help to identify specific pain source and lead to individual treatment plans. Do not use self-medication for extended periods of time as they may have adverse side effects, especially among the elderly who may get bleeding of the stomach from pain-killers.

Proper Posture and Care The central portion of the back is composed of a bony spinal column surrounded by muscles and ligaments. Viewed from the side, the spinal column is "S" shaped. This should be maintained for effective functioning of the spine and minimal stress on the muscles and ligaments.

Standing
While standing, keep your body straight with ears, shoulders and hips vertically aligned. Your shoulders should not be rounded inwards or tilted forwards.

Sitting
Sit with the back and thighs at a 90-degrees angle. Keep your back straight, your hips in a neutral position and feet flat on floor, or you can rest your feet on a chair or bench for stability. Daily activities Bending the body forwards puts a lot of stress on the spine.

In daily activities, it is important to protect your spine by always keeping it straight. Instead of bending the back, bend your knees.

Source: http://www.info.gov.hk/elderly/english/healthinfo/healthproblems/pain.htm