There are two important aspects of your role as an adult care worker in preventing pressure damage and they are skin inspection and repositioning. Skin inspection is the best way of identifying whether pressure damage could become a problem. Ideally the individual should inspect their own skin regularly for any changes, but this is not always possible and you may have to support them with this by checking the skin over bony prominences such as heels, sacrum, buttocks and any other areas likely to be affected by pressure. The signs of early pressure damage that you should look out for are:
Non-blanching redness - this is redness of the skin which does not go white (blanche) if you apply light finger pressure. On pigmented skin, redness will …show more content…
If this is not possible it is part of your role to regular support the individual to reposition. In the past repositioning the individual every 2 hours was recommended however it is better to be use the appearance of the skin and the needs of the individual as that …show more content…
There are many beds and mattresses which claim to reduce pressure, Foam, static air and alternating air mattresses are used and advice from the community nursing team will ensure the individuals needs are being met . Appropriate seating should advised by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. They will ensure that the entire chair and cushion ensure correct weight distribution, posture and support for the feet.
As the heels are at high risk of developing pressure sores use to there being very little soft tissue protecting the bone heel protecters should be used to reduce the risk. Inflatable heel protector should be used when the individual is in bed or sitting with their feet on a footstool. If an inflatable heel protector is not available, foam heel lift protectors or pillows may be used instead.
In addition to these aids there are many aids available claiming to help reduce the risk of pressure sores many of which have not been scientifically proven to help and may make things worse and increase the risk . In particular you should not use ring cushions or other doughnut shaped devices , sheepskins whether genuine or synthetic or water filled gloves
Health and
Non-blanching redness - this is redness of the skin which does not go white (blanche) if you apply light finger pressure. On pigmented skin, redness will …show more content…
If this is not possible it is part of your role to regular support the individual to reposition. In the past repositioning the individual every 2 hours was recommended however it is better to be use the appearance of the skin and the needs of the individual as that …show more content…
There are many beds and mattresses which claim to reduce pressure, Foam, static air and alternating air mattresses are used and advice from the community nursing team will ensure the individuals needs are being met . Appropriate seating should advised by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. They will ensure that the entire chair and cushion ensure correct weight distribution, posture and support for the feet.
As the heels are at high risk of developing pressure sores use to there being very little soft tissue protecting the bone heel protecters should be used to reduce the risk. Inflatable heel protector should be used when the individual is in bed or sitting with their feet on a footstool. If an inflatable heel protector is not available, foam heel lift protectors or pillows may be used instead.
In addition to these aids there are many aids available claiming to help reduce the risk of pressure sores many of which have not been scientifically proven to help and may make things worse and increase the risk . In particular you should not use ring cushions or other doughnut shaped devices , sheepskins whether genuine or synthetic or water filled gloves
Health and