Caring for elderly people with pressure ulcers at home – A minor complication with major consequences if neglected.
Common illnesses in the elderly. This article helps families understand the condition. Pressure ulcers in the elderly, reason, proper care and when support is needed to avoid dangerous complications for parents.
Pressure ulcers usually start from one small red spots.
It didn't hurt much.
Not entirely clear.
Many families don't even notice.
But after just a few days, that red mark can:
- widespread
- deeper
- infection
And what started as a minor problem can become a serious complication.
👉 This is very common in elderly people who are bedridden or have limited physical activity.
What are pressure ulcers?
Pressure ulcers occur when an area of skin is subjected to continuous pressure for an extended period.
Commonly found in:
- back
- butt
- heel
- elbow
Especially in older adults:
- thinner skin
- poor blood circulation
- slow recovery
👉 This significantly increases the risk.
Why are elderly people more susceptible to pressure ulcers?
It's not due to "lack of cleanliness."
Because:
- lying down for a long time
- do not change position
- sedentary lifestyle
Besides:
- poor nutrition
- weak immune system
👉 do slow-healing ulcers than
What makes many families complacent?
Because it starts very gently.
It's just:
- a red area of skin
- slightly dark
And many people think:
- "It'll probably be fine."
But the reality is:
👉 Pressure ulcers progress very quickly if not treated properly.
What do elderly people with pressure ulcers need?
It's not an immediate cure.
Instead, it is:
- Change positions frequently.
- every 2–3 hours
- Keep the skin area clean.
- Avoid infection
- Monitor the ulcer closely.
- Look at the colors, the depth.
- Good nutrition
- Helps wounds heal.
👉 These are things that need to be done consistently every day.
The hardest thing
It's not a technique.
Instead, it is:
👉 You must do it regularly, don't forget.
Initial:
- The family did it very carefully.
After a few days:
- tired
- forget
- omitted
And the ulcer started to get worse.
The risks of improper care.
- Infection
- It can spread quickly.
- Persistent pain
- Impact on mental health
- Deep ulcer
- Difficult to recover
- Must be hospitalized
This is something many families don't want.
👉 Pressure ulcers are not immediately dangerous.
👉 but the consequences are very serious if it continues.
Can the family take care of them themselves?
Maybe.
But it's very difficult to maintain.
Because:
- You need to change positions frequently.
- Needs to be monitored multiple times a day.
- Patience is needed.
👉 This is why many families struggle after a while.
If you are caring for a parent with pressure ulcers and feel overwhelmed by the daily caregiving, you might consider SAN – an application. caring for the elderly, the patient.
SAN nurses can assist with changing positions, hygiene, and regular monitoring of ulcers.
Download the app SAN Or call the Hotline: 1900.0666.88 for advice.
Common mistakes
- The biggest mistake is "waiting until things get serious before taking action."
- The second mistake is not changing positions often enough.
- The third mistake is leaving the patient bedridden for too long.
- The fourth mistake is hiring inexperienced people.
👉 Pressure ulcers require consistent and proper care, not just treatment when they become severe.
Compare the three options.
Acquaintance / broker
- It's cheaper, but the monitoring isn't consistent, making it easy to miss things.
Nursing home
- Costs range from 20 to 60 million VND per month.
- Living with many people
- No personalized care.
- Older people are more irritable.
Home care
- Monitor closely.
- Personal care
- Family control
👉 Most suitable for pressure ulcers
Actual cost
- Elderly care: 20 – 60 million VND/month
- Daycare: 500,000 - 800,000 VND/day
- At home: 40k – 70k/hour
👉 For continuous but flexible care needs, home care is the most suitable option.
Why do many families choose SAN?
Because they can't monitor it continuously every day.
SAN helps:
- take good care
- closely monitor
- reduce pressure
The SAN girls:
- trained
- know how to treat ulcers
- Follow the correct procedure.
Besides:
- hospital support
- take him to the doctor.
SAN is a partner at:
- Military Hospital 175
- City International Hospital
Pressure ulcers start from very small things.
But if we ignore it, the consequences will be significant.
You don't need to keep track of everything yourself.
Download SAN – an app for caring for the elderly. patients Or call the Hotline: 1900.0666.88 for appropriate advice.
