How to take care of a bedridden patient? Discover the importance of anti-pressure sore mattresses and get to know other essentials!

Caring for either an elderly person or someone facing health issues is a complex experience filled with challenges. The truth is that care is often the most important part of a treatment for full recovery or for a day-to-day with more well-being and comfort.

In this universe of care, every gesture is meaningful, and every choice reflects the importance we attribute to the well-being of those we love. So, whether it’s to deal with the demands of a specific health condition or simply to ensure the daily care of a bedridden person, having the most effective solutions and the highest quality products ‘at hand’ is essential.

In the article we’ve prepared for you, we’ll explore a bit about the best practices for caring for a patient. At the same time, discover what the essential products are to ensure a fast and effective recovery.

Patient Care: Challenges and Solutions

Caring for bedridden patients and the elderly requires facing a series of challenges that, in addition to demanding practical skills, also call for a sensitive heart. The first challenge of all is managing the patient’s physical needs, which can range from administering medications to providing personal care such as hygiene and feeding.

Another challenge lies in managing the patient’s emotional needs. Often, facing a debilitating health condition can lead to a variety of emotions, and in those moments, caregivers are essential – offering emotional support, understanding, and patience during those times.

Communication is fundamental and crucial in overcoming some obstacles during these moments. Understanding the patient’s needs, even when they are not expressed, requires sensitivity and empathy. Next, we provide some tips to more easily overcome these challenges, which may be helpful if you are in the caregiver position:

• Training and Education: For caregivers, training is essential to ensure that the most challenging situations are overcome. That could mean training in healthcare facilities, for example.
• Open Communication: Fostering open and honest communication with both the patient and other members who may be part of the care team is essential.
• Time for the Caregiver: It’s very important for caregivers to set aside time to take care of themselves. Burnout is a real threat, and the ability to step away to recharge is crucial.
• Resource Utilization: Utilizing all available resources is a way to provide a better care experience and also to protect the caregiver. Having the appropriate orthopedic products available for each situation can make all the difference in day-to-day life.

In this regard, relying on specialized products is crucial to providing comfort, safety, and well-being. We will now explore some essentials to improve the well-being of both the patient and the caregiver in their day-to-day lives.

Anti-Bedsore Mattresses: The Importance of Prevention

Anti-bedsore mattresses represent a significant advancement in the care of bedridden patients or the elderly. The lack of movement and constant pressure on certain points can cause damage to the skin tissues, leading to the formation of wounds. These wounds can progress rapidly and become ulcers, causing pain, discomfort, and sometimes infections – jeopardizing the overall health of the patient.
Bedridden patients are highly prone to developing bedsores. Prevention involves frequent and careful repositioning of the patient, as well as the use of preventive equipment such as anti-bedsore mattresses.

Fundamentally, anti-bedsore mattresses are wound-preventing mattresses, meaning they are carefully developed mattresses designed to prevent the development of wounds. When a patient becomes bedridden, they lose some muscle mass, which increases the risk of developing these wounds. Therefore, these mattresses offer an innovative solution to mitigate the risks associated with constant pressure on specific areas of the body. Designed with the latest medical technology, these mattresses aim to prevent the development of pressure ulcers, providing comfort and well-being to patients.

In situations where the patient has to remain bedridden for long periods of time, anti-bedsore mattresses ensure lasting comfort. Of course, it remains extremely important to move the patient, ensure they have a healthy diet and careful hydration, and change the diaper regularly. But undoubtedly, anti-bedsore mattresses are a great help throughout the process.

What differs between an anti-bedsore mattress and a regular mattress?

With a patient-centered approach, anti-bedsore mattresses incorporate advanced pressure relief technology. The use of alternating air cells allows for even distribution of body weight, reducing pressure on sensitive areas of the skin.

Adaptability is a prominent feature of these mattresses, with pressure adjustment options that can be customized according to the individual needs of each patient. This versatility is essential to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness in preventing skin problems.

What are the types of anti-bedsore mattresses?

All Anti-Bedsore Mattresses are made of memory foam. This material is known for molding to the patient’s body while providing a good support area, reducing the risk of deformation of body areas due to movement. Additionally, they relieve pressure over time, as they distribute weight evenly over a large surface.

What distinguishes mattresses from each other is their density. Density refers to the amount of material per unit volume, which in the context of anti-bedsore mattresses, is related to the mattress’s ability to redistribute pressure on specific areas of the body. Mattresses with higher densities are more suitable for high risks of developing bedsores, while mattresses with lower densities are advisable for people with low risk of developing bedsores.

How to choose the best anti-bedsore mattress?

Before choosing an anti-bedsore mattress, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the type of mattress. Another very important factor is the level of prevention and/or treatment of bedsores. There are mattresses such as the Essential Viscoelastic Anti-Bedsore Mattress or the Polymulti Visco Anti-Bedsore Mattress. that allow to control and treat advanced bedsores. On the other hand, the Biopruf Viscoelastic Anti-Bedsore Mattress is a more preventive mattress, indicated for people with a low risk of bedsores. When the risk of developing bedsores is neither very high nor low, there are also mattresses like the Polyplot Anti-Bedsore Mattress, indicated for medium risk of bedsores development.

It’s important not to forget to consider the user’s weight and size: it’s crucial to ensure that the mattress is suitable for the person’s weight, ensuring effectiveness in pressure distribution. Then, there are some mattresses that allow alternating pressure in different air cells to prevent bedsores, and yet others that allow adjusting firmness or pressure according to the user’s needs, such as the SoftForm Premier Active 2 RX Mattress.

Anti-Bedsore Cushions

Similar to mattresses, the main objective of anti-bedsore cushions is to prevent and alleviate the development of skin wounds resulting from pressure and obstruction of normal blood flow, as well as irregular pressures on a specific area of the body. Therefore, a person who uses a wheelchair, is bedridden, or suffers from hemorrhoids should ensure they know how to choose a cushion to prevent bedsores, and use it consistently.

Learn more about anti-bedsore cushions and find out how you can choose the best one!

Adjustable Beds: Versatility and Comfort

Adjustable beds are another accessory that plays a crucial role in caring for bedridden patients and the elderly. This is because they allow, with little effort, to change the position of the bedridden or bedridden person, while also providing them with more comfort and safety.

In general, an adjustable bed allows for controlling the inclination of the bed base and adapting the position of the patient. Since the bed bases of adjustable beds are divided into three individual sections, they can be adjusted to provide maximum comfort. This functionality makes the patient’s daily life more comfortable and adaptable; on the other hand, for the caregiver, it is also a valuable aid in performing certain tasks.

To learn more about adjustable beds, read our Practical Guide: How to Buy Adjustable Beds? Which is the best adjustable bed? – Manual, Electric, or 100% Electric.

Other Essentials for Care

Anti-Bedsores Creams

Anti-bedsores creams are valuable allies in the care of bedridden or mobility-impaired individuals. As important as preventing the appearance of sores with anti-decubitus mattresses is ensuring that the skin is monitored and cared for. These creams, often enriched with moisturizing and nourishing ingredients, are formulated to prevent the formation of wounds, ulcers, and bedsores. By creating a protective barrier on the skin, they help reduce friction and irritation, promoting an environment conducive to healing.

The regular application of these creams on areas prone to sores, such as elbows, heels, and back, can be crucial in avoiding complications resulting from prolonged immobility. The Molicare Skin Body Lotion is recommended to provide not only protection against injuries but also essential hydration for skin health. On the other hand, the Molicare Skin Protective Spray Oil is great for mature and very dry skin. In spray form and very easy to apply, it forms a protective layer to prevent skin dehydration. Another option for daily skin care at all ages is the ATL Moisturizing Cream – recommended by healthcare professionals, it is a non-greasy body cream that softens and reinforces the skin’s protective layer.

Bathing Care

Bath time is a real challenge for most caregivers – but it is essential for the well-being of bedridden patients. However, ensuring that the bath is not only hygienic but also safe and comforting is essential. Products like Shower Gels and Creams for sensitive skin, such as our Molicare Skin range, are a good starting point to ensure a relaxing bath.

Additionally, there are devices such as shower chairs and bath benches that allow for a safer and more peaceful bathing experience. These devices allow the patient to be seated and comfortable during the bath, also making tasks easier for the caregiver – discover how to choose the best shower chairs and bath benches.

Mobility

Maintaining mobility is a crucial factor in caring for people with physical restrictions. Therefore, finding strategies aimed at preserving or improving mobility is essential for promoting independence and quality of life. And equipment such as walkers, canes, and wheelchairs can play a vital role in improving mobility. So, learn how to choose a wheelchair.

Being a Caregiver: An Act of Love

Caring is not just about completing a series of tasks; it is indeed an act of love and dedication. And by addressing the challenges and solutions in caring for bedridden patients and the elderly, we recognize the importance of providing not only essential products but also understanding, patience, and empathy.

Therefore, if you are in the position of a caregiver, know that this is a role you should be proud of. To make your day-to-day easier and more straightforward, rely on our solutions for anti-decubitus mattresses, adjustable beds, wheelchairs, and other essential daily aids.

If you have any doubts about the best option for yourself or a family member, or which choice best meets your needs, talk to our specialized professionals who are always available to help and advise you. Get in touch with us.

We know and have what you need!