Caring for Bed Sores

Pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores, are a painful and potentially very serious medical condition. Family caregivers offer their best tips for caring for a senior who is experiencing bed sores.

Seniors have thinner, more delicate skin, and incontinence and a sedentary lifestyle can easily lead to skin breakdown. Experienced caregivers offer their best suggestions for maintaining skin integrity and health.

Pressure ulcers (bed sores) are often considered a sign of poor care or neglect, but these painful wounds can happen to any senior. Prevention and early detection are crucial for keeping an elder's skin healthy.

Common skin conditions in the elderly like dryness and bruising can be bothersome, but they can also point to more serious underlying health problems. Knowing what symptoms to look for and how to treat them can help you maintain a senior’s skin integrity.

Millions of adults have bowel control problems, but most are reluctant to talk about this condition and seek help. Get the information you need to start the discussion, explore treatment options and help your loved one improve their quality of life.

Septic shock can develop from common infections and become life-threatening very quickly. Make sure you know the signs of infection and the symptoms of sepsis so you can seek treatment without delay.

Making a person who is dying more comfortable and alleviating physical pain is an important priority for family caregivers. Physical comfort and pain management should be the focus of providing end of life care.

The most noticeable symptom of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is memory loss, but this progressive condition ultimately weakens the immune system and prevents the body from functioning properly. Complications like infections are often the cause of death.

On its own, dementia doesn’t normally cause death. As it progresses, however, the condition can increase vulnerability to life-threatening infections.