My mother lives in a nursing home, is in a wheelchair and she has a bedsore on her tailbone. I have requested a more appropriate cushion for pressure relief. I’ve also asked to have her lay down for pressure relief. They are saying they will only lay her down if she’s sleepy. Is this acceptable? They have not responded to a different cushion.
I’m not pleased.
Can anyone give me some insight into this problem?
TIA
Laying in bed will create pressure ulcers as well, and put her in danger of pneumonia.
Pressure ulcers are deadly (sepsis) and are taken very seriously for any institution and they can lose licensure from having too many. (They are ALSO almost inevitable with aging issues).
Report to the ombudsman today. You can also report to licensure board or tell your facility you intend to do so.
MD should now order a wound care team consult; if he hasn't done so that is basically negligent.
I also bought my mom a ROHO seat cushion for her wheelchair, it was very expensive but since she spent all of her awake time in that chair it was a necessary medical expense.
Bedsores are an awful problem & need appropriate treatment including offloading pressure.
Is there an OT on staff? OT can prescribe the right type of support cushion. Care plan can be ammedend for regular lay downs periods.
PS if Mom refuses the lie down each time, staff may not be able to insist upom it