Developing Research on Bedsores

Most developing research on bedsores encompasses not only treatments, but research into the causes and contributory factors to bedsores as well. As a result of some of these research studies, Medicare has made the decision not to pay for bedsores that develop within the nursing home setting. This has left many nursing homes with the task of trying to find more efficient and effective means of preventing bedsores with regards to all residents and not just those who are at the most risk.

Research: Causes and Prevention

Bedsores happen most often in those who are bedridden or wheelchair bound, and the underlying cause of bedsores – continual pressure – has been repeatedly proven in many studies. According to the most recent research, bedsore prevention takes a multifaceted approach, one that should include nutrition, turning schedules, and vigilance on the part of nursing home staff members of all levels. Something as simple as clothing that does not fit properly can exacerbate an already developed bedsore, or cause one to form if an individual is at risk.

In one study, individuals who were at risk for bedsores and who had been identified as having potential nutritional deficiencies were assigned a special color for their plates at meal time. These colored plate cued nursing home staff to provide meals that were heavier in essential nutrients and calories, while at the same time giving a visual indication of those residents who might need a little more encouragement to finish meals and consume adequate amounts of food. This initiative, when coupled with other, traditional methods of bedsore prevention, saw a definite decrease in the number of residents who developed bedsores during the study.

For those nursing home residents who suffer from incontinence, regular changing of soiled or wet adult diapers can significantly reduce the chances that a bedsore will form. For those individuals who are still able to communicate with staff, regular changes should be performed by request. For those individuals who are not able to communicate clearly, a regular changing schedule should be implemented along with the turning schedule in order to ensure that the nursing home resident remains as dry as possible. Additionally, the use of waterproof creams and ointments can reduce skin irritation and lower the risk of bedsore development.