| Multiple layers of a pressure ulcer elderly prevention mattress. Call Us Toll Free (866) 8 CARE4U 9 am - 5 PM Pacific Time (which is Toll free (866) 822-7348) Pressure Ulcer Prevention The most common causes of pressure ulcers is immobility and improper hygiene. So the solution should be: move more and wash better. While that is obviously a very simplistic answer there are some things that the elderly and others that are confined can do. For bedridden individuals your position should be changed at least every two hours. If you are unable to reposition yourself then you will need a caregiver to assist you. Make sure that your caregiver has a lifting device. This patient lift reduces caregiver injury but also prevents the caregiver from dragging you across a surface and increasing your chance of developing a pressure ulcer. Use pillows and wedges to prevent knees and ankles from being in direct contact with each other. Use a special mattress to reduce pressure on prominences and inhibit pressure ulcer development. These mattresses are usually made of gel, water, foam or air. Raise the head of the bed very little. When the head of the bed is raised more than 30 degrees the skin may slide over the surface causing skin and delicate blood vessel damage. Spread your weight as evenly as possible. Avoid pressure ulcers by avoiding lying directly on your hipbone. Pillows placed at mid calf reduce the occurrence of pressure ulcers on the ankles and heels. For those individuals who are chair bound if you can move yourself then reposition yourself about every 15 minutes. If they are unable to change their position by themselves then repositioning should occur every hour. Pressure ulcers are avoided this way because a sitting position puts more stress on the skin (pressure per unit area) than a laying position. Therefore frequent movement is necessary to prevent pressure ulcers. Also use foam, air or gel cushions to relieve pressure. Avoid donut shaped cushions as they reduce blood flow and can cause tissues to swell, which then increases the chance of developing a pressure ulcer. Lastly maintain good posture and good hygiene habits and you will greatly reduce your risk of developing pressure ulcers. Read more about pressure ulcers elderly here: a, b, d, e, f Read more about manual wheel chairs here: a, b, c, d, e Read more about wheelchair ramps here: a, b, c, d | 
