Skin tears are caused by shearing, often from grabbing or dragging when repositioning. If you are experiencing tears you need to stop and rethink what you are doing, learning better techniques that include using slide sheets (some large, sturdy incontinence bed pads can do double duty as repositioning devices) should eliminate tears.
Pressure ulcers are a sign that the person needs to be repositioned more often, they need to be moved at least every 2 - 3 hours. There are special mattresses and seat cushions that can help but they do not eliminate the need to move, alternating pressure mattresses or overlays are often recommended here on the forum. You should be watching for signs of pressure (a red spot that does not blanch when you press it), if any signs develop the patient needs to be kept completely off that spot until it heals.
Both skin tears and pressure ulcers need to be seen by a nurse, preferably a wound care specialist, who can set up and supervise a treatment plan.
Pressure ulcers are a sign that the person needs to be repositioned more often, they need to be moved at least every 2 - 3 hours. There are special mattresses and seat cushions that can help but they do not eliminate the need to move, alternating pressure mattresses or overlays are often recommended here on the forum. You should be watching for signs of pressure (a red spot that does not blanch when you press it), if any signs develop the patient needs to be kept completely off that spot until it heals.
Both skin tears and pressure ulcers need to be seen by a nurse, preferably a wound care specialist, who can set up and supervise a treatment plan.