Pressure Ulcer
As part of your treatment plan, your care team will discuss with you the best way to prevent pressure ulcers. This will be based on your individual circumstances.
However, you may find that the general advice outlined below is helpful.
Changing position
Making regular and frequent changes to your position is one of the most effective ways of preventing pressure ulcers. If a pressure ulcer has already developed, regularly changing position will help to avoid putting further pressure on it, and give the wound the best chance of healing.
As a general rule, wheelchair users will need to change their position at least once every 15 to 30 minutes. People who are confined to bed will need to change their position at least once every two hours.
Once you have developed a pressure ulcer, it is important that you minimise or avoid putting any further pressure on it to give the wound the best chance of healing.
If you are unable to change position yourself, a carer or relative will need to assist you. Read about treating pressure ulcers for more information and advice about positional changes.
Nutrition
Eating a healthy, balanced diet that contains an adequate amount of protein and a good variety of vitamins and minerals can help prevent skin damage and speed up the healing process. You may be referred to a dietitian so that a dietary plan can be drawn up for you.
If you currently have a reduced appetite due to a pre-existing health condition, the advice listed below may be useful. * Try eating smaller meals throughout the day, rather than two or three larger meals. Set a timetable for when you should eat, rather than waiting until you feel hungry. This should help ensure that you receive the necessary nutrition. * Avoid drinking large amounts of fluids just before you are about to eat, as this will make you feel fuller than you actually are. * If you find swallowing difficult, try drinking specially made nutritional drinks or puréed foods and soups. *
However, you may find that the general advice outlined below is helpful.
Changing position
Making regular and frequent changes to your position is one of the most effective ways of preventing pressure ulcers. If a pressure ulcer has already developed, regularly changing position will help to avoid putting further pressure on it, and give the wound the best chance of healing.
As a general rule, wheelchair users will need to change their position at least once every 15 to 30 minutes. People who are confined to bed will need to change their position at least once every two hours.
Once you have developed a pressure ulcer, it is important that you minimise or avoid putting any further pressure on it to give the wound the best chance of healing.
If you are unable to change position yourself, a carer or relative will need to assist you. Read about treating pressure ulcers for more information and advice about positional changes.
Nutrition
Eating a healthy, balanced diet that contains an adequate amount of protein and a good variety of vitamins and minerals can help prevent skin damage and speed up the healing process. You may be referred to a dietitian so that a dietary plan can be drawn up for you.
If you currently have a reduced appetite due to a pre-existing health condition, the advice listed below may be useful. * Try eating smaller meals throughout the day, rather than two or three larger meals. Set a timetable for when you should eat, rather than waiting until you feel hungry. This should help ensure that you receive the necessary nutrition. * Avoid drinking large amounts of fluids just before you are about to eat, as this will make you feel fuller than you actually are. * If you find swallowing difficult, try drinking specially made nutritional drinks or puréed foods and soups. *