How to deal with pressure sores?

Thanks so much everyone for your input. My sister and I have tried all that you recommended...except for the Roho cushion, which is why I asked specifically about that. Mom is not wheelchair- or bed-bound. She also is very controlling and will not follow doctor's instructions or our suggestions unless she wants to. We have the Calmoseptine cream, Beaudreaux's Butt Paste, Magic Butt Paste, but Mom prefers to use Vasoline because it's "a good old fashioned remedy." I think she actually enjoys complaining and playing the martyr. However, her pain and sores are real and if we can find a passive solution, where all she has to do is sit, not apply some cream, try to get into an unusual position or get up every hour, we would pay the price. We just want to know if the Roho really works.

I agree you need to see a wound care specialist . When i worked at nursing homes thats what we did . We had ones we called in . They were great and knew there business. However wound care in the elderly is a long rough business. Your going to have to keep turning her at least every 2 hours and use a bolster or wedge to keep her in position if necessary . If your need to push protein . My Mom loves boost and is about the only liquid she will finish a cup of . We mix it with ice cream sometimes too . Sometimes a little peanut butter works too. Talk to your wound care people or Doctors about a cooling pad or ice. I know it sounds simplistic . It works though. As a nursing home nurse you cant even give an asprin w/o an order and although usually those are standard orders for pain or fever . Sometimes things slip thru the cracks . Sometimes all we could do was a tied glove filled w/ ice ot alieviate pain til the doc called in and we got the med.

Kelp is a great healer for sores.

108... God bless !!!! I tried a basic roho mosaic cushion to start. ( approx $70 amazon) So far we've had healing ... down to a little redness we are watching. Since the Roho we haven't had any further skin breakdown...
 
We definitely also use the clameseptine with every depends change like others said. 

Mom's nurse (visits once a week to monitor the progress) makes the point about extra protein but the 3 bites of tuna or scrambled egg is not enough to make a difference .

I suggest trying the roho ... it's inflatable insert let's you choose how much give it has ( came with a hand pump) Mom was using a gel cushion when increased immobility lead too both buttocks having open sores. We did buy the less expensive Roho Mosaic and I figured if it wasn't enough I would exchange for the more $$$$ model.

Just my 2¢...Good luck !!!

Try your local hospital to see if they have a wound care center. Alternatively, there is a nursing specialty that includes wound care. The website, wocn.org allows you to find a qualified nursing professional by zip code. These professionals have a great deal of experience and expertise.

108! Wow, what a trooper!

Can you put a thin but firm pillow, or foam cushion under her when she sleeps on her side? Nurses also doubled up pillows and put them between Dad's knees, as he was skin and bones toward the end. I noticed they used doubled up pillows quite frequently to help support his body and provide protection against other body parts or the alternating pressure pad on the bed.

My Mom has a Alternating Pressure Pump and Pad on her hospital bed and I think its what has helped her not develop any bed sores. We also use calmoseptine ointment. Both available on amazon. Good luck!

Dear Sister45,

Good of you to care for your 108 year old mom. I know its hard to find a good solutions sometimes. I know the pillow is expensive, but I would give it a try.

I hope others can add more.