On behalf of concerned relative

[RED1224]

Developed pressure sore been bed bound on Mental Health Unit for nearly five weeks (severe depression and possibly underlying Parkinson’s or similar). He was eating poorly when first admitted, had lost loads of weight, having urinary continence issues and was at risk of falls so sat for long periods.

He has gradually improved a little and was voluntarily willing to go for ECT.

It would be particularly helpful to know what sort of things I could buy to deal with things at home.

From what I can tell the sore is Grade 2, not affecting deeper layer of skin and sacral.

We have started obtaining the basics from Amazon (commode, washable incontinence sheets). He is now capable of walking with one stick I would say (physiotherapist only visits ward weekly and not available to discuss things!) and he is capable of turning himself (probably just needs reminding). I wonder whether the electric pump pressure mattress systems available (relatively cheap, under £100) are worth investing in. Any other advice very we come.

[Torri_____]

I have a friend that is bed bound and she uses a sheepskin overlay and a low pressure foam mattress to help to ease the sore pressure points as this seems to keep from causing sores as easy. Thoughts and care to you and yours 💞

[RED1224 in reply to Torri_____]

Thank you for the tip I will feed this back to them.

[CanuckAnon]

Do u have wound care nurse? Can u shift weight by putting cushions under unaffected side to lift weight from affected side? Try and keep weight off the sore first of all... keep wound area clean and covered. Get cream to protect skin from incontinence as it’s harsh on fragile skin, ensure folds of skin is clean as well. There are also mattresses available that have circulating air to help with pressure sores for those that are bed bound and yes like listed below sheepskin is great, incontinence sheets can cause someone to sweat which is not great for bed sores... the skin needs to be dry but moisturized...it’s a delicate balance. NHS should be sending a wound care nurse to home if they are home to ensure wound healing....

[RED1224 in reply to CanuckAnon]

This is great advice I am sure they will find this very useful thank you CanuckAnon.

[Paula-38 in reply to CanuckAnon]

That's what I was thinking. Two minds think alike sometimes.

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Hi RED1224, I'm sorry to hear about your poor relative, this reminds me of how my mum started to get ill and she gradually deteriorated over time and she hax to have allsorts of tests so I really do sympathize with you. My mum had subcortical vascular dementia and because she eventually became dehydrated is why she passed away about 14 months ago now but it was so emotional even though my dad and I are still in bereavement 😝 sorry for being morbid which I used to say to people 'stop being morbid' because it didn't help me to think positive at all. I hope I can be of some help to you.

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Have you been in touch with Social Services? Via them you can access Medicare who provide specialist mattresses and all disability aids for free. No need to fork out all that money.

He will need a Social Worker and Occupational Therapist who usually organize these things before he comes home because he might be put on a lengthy waiting list thats usually the way but I hope it wont be too long a wait for you. The Social Services provide a Care needs assessment, a continence assessment and provide continence pads and special pants together. The GP to give him specialist cream for his bedsores and another type of cream for skin infections due to incontinence or to prevent this from occuring whichever way. District nurse to keep an eye on his bedsores and he might even get a dietitian if you ask the district nurse. I think he would need carers coming in 4 times a day to bathe and change him, ensure he doesnt get dehydrated and gets sufficient nutrition which I understand is so emotional trying to encourage them to eat especially if they refuse food etc. Also the GP should be able to prescribe him special nutritional drinks in various flavours called ENSURE and these have 26 vitamins and minerals in them everything out bodies need. I hope this helps you and your poor relative whom I feel so sorry for. Please let me know how it goes. Best of luck. 😊

[RED1224]

This is GREAT I will forward this on to them thank you.

[Hidden]

You are welcome anytime.😁