Caring for someone in bed

Someone who cannot shift their own weight can develop a pressure sore over a single long night. Prevention is almost entirely mechanical, and it works.

Change position every two hours

Alternate between the back and each side. A pillow behind the back holds a side-lying position, and a pillow between the knees keeps bony points apart.

Heels are the most commonly missed spot. A pillow under the calves to float the heels clear of the mattress prevents most heel sores outright.

Look at the skin daily

Check the tailbone, hips, heels, elbows and the back of the head. Redness that does not fade a few minutes after the pressure is relieved is the first stage of a sore — act on it immediately by keeping all weight off that area, and tell a doctor.

Keep skin clean and dry, particularly after any incontinence. Moisture plus pressure is what breaks skin down.

Keep the body moving anyway

Gentle ankle circles, bending and straightening the knees, lifting the arms — a few minutes several times a day preserves joint movement and circulation, even when someone cannot get out of bed.