Anyone that spends a lot of time sitting in a wheelchair is at risk for developing pressure ulcers, often referred to as decubitus ulcers. There are a number of things you and your caregiver can do to prevent the formation of these debilitating sores caused by wheelchairs. This includes hiring a non-emergency medical transportation service that understands the proper techniques for transporting patients in and out of their wheelchair.
Pressure ulcers vary in appearance and severity, starting off as red, irritated skin to full thickness and tissue loss with exposed bone, muscles and tendons. These lesions are often referred to as decubitus ulcers because pressure is only one of many causes.
These lesions can be debilitating and put someone on bed rest for weeks or even months, not to mention the skin may never heal quite right. The older a patient is, the less likely for wounds to heal properly.
Pressure ulcers develop when your skin and soft tissues are pushed against a hard surface for prolonged periods of time. This consistent pressure reduces blood supply to the area, allowing a pressure ulcer to form.
You are at a greater risk for developing pressure ulcers if:
-You spend the majority of your day in a wheelchair or in bed.
-You spend prolonged periods of time in the same position.
-You are either underweight or overweight.
-You are not able to control your bladder or bowels.
-You regularly experience numbness in certain areas of your body.
Tips To Prevent The Formation Of Pressure Ulcers
If you are at risk for developing pressure ulcers the following tips will help decrease your risks.
-Have your wheelchair checked for fit at least once every year, maybe even twice each year.
-If you gain or lose weight you will need to have your wheelchair checked as soon as possible to ensure it still provides a proper fit.
-If you are feeling any pressure or numbness in parts of your body, speak with your doctor or physical therapist right away. They will need to check your chair and see if there’s anything that can be done to increase comfort and reduce pressure.
-Use a foam or gel seat cushion that fits your chair properly. Natural sheepskin pads can also help reduce pressure. Whatever you do, don’t use donut-shaped cushions.
-Shift your weight in your chair, independently or with the help of a caregiver. You should do this at least once every 20 minutes to help increase blood flow and reduce consistent pressure in the same areas. Try simply leaning forward or leaning to one side, and then the other side.
-Make sure that your caregiver or medical transportation service is using the proper means of transferring you to and from your chair.
-If you transfer yourself to and from your chair make sure you are doing so without lifting your body with your arms alone. Also, it’s important that you don’t drag yourself. If you are struggling to transfer in and out of your chair consult with a physical therapist to learn correct techniques that’ll work best for you.
-Do not shower or take a bath on a daily basis, as this can dry out your skin and make you more prone to developing pressure ulcers.
-Keep your skin clean and dry, especially areas that are sensitive to developing sores.
-Lather up with moisturizing lotions and creams every single day to keep your skin soft and supple.
-Do not scrub hard or use an abrasive scrub brush. Instead, use a soft sponge to clean off.
-Avoid using strong soaps or talc powder.
-Select clothing carefully, as some clothing can increase your risk for developing pressure ulcers. Avoid clothes with thick seams, zippers and buttons that put additional pressure against your skin. Do not wear clothing that is too tight or tends to bunch up in certain areas on your body.
-You and/or your caregiver should check your body over everyday for any signs of pressure ulcer development. The areas most susceptible are your heels, ankles, hips, knees, spine, elbows, tailbone, back of the head, ears, and shoulders/shoulder blades.
Early signs of pressure ulcers to be on the lookout for include:
-Red, irritated skin
-Abnormally warm patches of skin
-Skin that appears/feels spongy or hard
-Noticeable breaking down of the top layers of skin
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation For Wheelchair Patients
Pressure ulcers can develop or be made worse if a patient is not properly transported in and out of his or her wheelchair. All of our drivers are specially trained on how to properly transport wheelchair patients of all mobility so that utmost comfort and safety is secured. You can rest assured that you or your loved one receives the highest level of care when you book a ride with Stellar Transportation.