How to Prevent Pressure Sores in Elderly Adults

Elderly adults experience a unique set of health complications that we typically do not see in children, teens or in young adults. If you are caring for an aging parent who seems to be very healthy, it is important to understand what unique health complications may arise, including the development of pressure sores without any prior symptoms.

Pressure sores are, by their very name, a condition that can be quite painful. As a progressive ailment, a person who develops pressure sores will often do so over a period of time where lack of mobility is common (Webster 44). When caring for an aging parent who is not as active as they once were, it is very important to ask about sore places on the body as pressure sores could be developing without your knowledge.

To prevent pressure sores in elderly adults, there are several options you may consider. The easiest solution, and the least expensive solution, would be to ensure that you loved one does not sit, or lie, in the same position for more than 30 minutes at a time. This would require that they are self-motivated to engage in activity around the house, or that someone is with them to encourage movement. When we engage in movement, activity level is not such much as a concern as even a simple walk to the mailbox, or a walk to the kitchen to make something to eat, may be all that is needed. The key to preventing pressure sores by this process requires that you ensure there is no one part of the body that is exerted upon for any extended period of time. When returning to a seated or lying position, the aging adult should be encouraged to sit at another angle or to use a different position in bed.

As a more costly option to preventing pressure sores in elderly adults, you may also want to consider the use of inflatable pressure devices in chairs and in the bed your loved one is using. These devices are designed to lightly change the pressure in the back, buttocks, and extremities by using a water movement or air pressure movement within the device (Webster 92-94). Often, these pressure devices are so small and minimal that most older adults do not even realize they are used. Unfortunately, Medicare and other health insurance gap coverage do not provide cost coverage for the purchase when they are used in a preventative nature.

Pressure sores, like many progressive ailments, are painful and preventable. Should your loved one develop a pressure sore, there is a risk for infection and further pain that can decrease quality of life. For this reason, always monitor for pressure sore develop in the older adult and be sure to engage in regular activity so as to prevent the sores from developing at all. When unable to manage pressure sore development, consult with a physician for further guidance.