ATurning Point

In a care home environment the client as much as a patient in an acute environment benefits from regular turning Supported by the NICE guidelines it has been proven that regular turning regimes can prevent, and in some cases, can significantly contribute to the healing process of existing pressure injuries, whether presented upon arrival or even acquired at the care home WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO GET A PRESSURE ULCER?

Anyone living in a care home can develop a pressure ulcer, but some factors make it more likely:

Limited mobility/unable to change position without help

A loss of feeling in part of the body tough but it actually wasn t as hard as I thought it would be It wasn’t too bad when we were there walking the peaks Esme added The hardest part was a really really muddy bit where our feet sunk down into the mud I was pleased as I managed to stay the cleanest of everyone but to be honest getting muddy was the best bit of the day

On the day of Esme’s outstanding challenge, the weather was nice with a rolling sea mist At first we played tag as we were walking along, but then we started chatting and that kept us going for the whole walk Esme continued We saw loads of lambs as we went along which were very cute as well ”

Esme her friends and their Mums completed the tiring 9 3 miles in six hours with Esme saying: It didn t seem like six hours we had such a nice fun day, I thought it was less than that ”

Lorna Esme s Mum said: I m extremely proud of Esme and her friends – and the Mums too I’m so proud of her motivation and positive attitude on the day We all enjoyed the day but Esme and her friends absolutely loved it After we d finished they still had energy for a run on the beach and cake at Seatown where we started and finished the day

“I think Esme has caught the fundraising challenge bug as she’s very keen to do more, but thankfully the thought of the cold North Pole has put her off trying that - for now at least

If you’d like to donate to Esme’s fundraising achievement and raise vital funds for Friends of the Elderly, you can do so at JustGiving: https://www justgiving com/page/lorna-sheen-1682106878624 implemented in conjunction with an accurate risk assessment of the clients needs

• History of pressure ulcers, or having one now

Not having eaten or hydrated well for a sustained period

Thin, dry or weak skin

A significant cognitive impairment

HOW DOES A PRESSURE ULCER OCCUR?

Pressure ulcers occur when an area of skin and the t ssues underneath it are damaged by being under such pressure that the blood supply is reduced; typically when people spend long periods in a bed or chair BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE TURNING & HOW CAN EQUIPMENT HELP WITH PREVENTION AND THERAPY?

Equipment that offers suitable pressure relieving or pressure redistribution qualities subject to the risk factors can reduce or even remove the prevalence of PI s provided a suitable Care Plan is written and

All organisations recognise the need for regular turning but the pressures they face from reduced staffing levels in a reducing labour pool means that the demands on reduced staffing levels can sometimes mean that the ideological turning regimes are not always met leading to the risk of acquired pressure injuries

The answer appears simple invest in highly motivated capable staff manage the client diligently and offer assistance in maintaining independent mobility But of course, that s not sometimes possible, staff may be slightly less motivated due to external factors and independent patient mobility is not always the case

Equipment however can assist with that issue especially when a high dependence for repositioning is required The Optima Turn Mattress System by Wellell has been designed to reduce the burden on caregivers aiding repositioning without having to necessarily touch the patient benefitting all parties the patient their family the carer and the care home

If you are facing these issues and need help? Contact: sales uk@wellell com