subject: Health diet and prevention of skin break down in elderly and frail [print this page] Health diet and prevention of skin break down in elderly and frail
Patient must take a nutritionally rich diet with sufficient calories and protein and vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C and zinc. These bitamines has been shown to improve wound healing. Healthy diet also protects the integrity of your skin and protects against breakdown
Pressure ulcers are a serious health risk for those who are confined to bed or a wheelchair or have limited mobility.
Our caregivers are trained to identify the early signs of skin breakdown for clients at risk and help prevent the development of pressure ulcers by:Regularly inspecting clients' skin for rednessor signs that sores may be formingKeeping their skin clean and dryApplying moisturizer to dry skinHelping them change position on a regular basisAssisting in transfers to and from a bed, chair or the toiletBathing and drying clients who are wet or have soiled their undergarmentsChanging wet or soiled bed linensEnsuring they eat a balanced diet and drink enough fluidsInforming family or physician of skin breakdown so treatment can begin immediatelySitting or lying in one position for extended periods of time can cause pressure ulcers, which left untreated, can lead to:PainInfectionAmputationHospital admissionIncreased length of stay in a health care facilityDecreased quality of lifeelderly people have thinner skin, which is more vulnerable to damage from minor pressure. If a very elderly individual is underweight (often the case), there will be less padding around their bones. Another common problem among very elderly patients is poor nutrition, which may affect skin and blood vessel quality, resulting in less effective healing. http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/health-diet-and-prevention-of-skin-break-down-in-elderly-and-frail-3796775.html
