Pressure Care in a Lift Chair
Ambassador Recliner Chairs offer pressure care in a Lift Chair
When it comes to the topic of immobility, pressure care quickly follows in the line of healthcare priorities. Without regular movement, the body is subject to skin irritation and breakdown if left unaddressed, can lead to serious medical consequences. Ambassador presents several recliner options that provide users with optimal pressure care to prevent avoidable skin breakdown and further discomfort or associated complications.
The importance behind Pressure Care for Adults with Reduced Mobility
Pressure injuries in Australia and New Zealand account for just under 13% of cases in acute hospitals and 7.9% in hospital settings (Rodgers et al., 2020). Pressure sores are diagnosed in stages.
- Stage I being the most superficial
- Stage IV being sores worn through muscle/tendon tissue and exposing bone.
If left untreated, pressure sores can work through the skin all the way down to bony surfaces which heightens the affected person’s chances for infection. Approximately 60,000 people die every year due to complications from pressure sores. Persons who have pressure ulcers are 4.5 times greater chance of death than their counterparts with similar medical problems and no pressure sores (Kirman, 2020).
Hotspots on the body for skin breakdown
Frequent locations for pressure injuries include the coccyx (tailbone), sacrum, buttocks and heels (Rodgers et al., 2020). The sores are also known to form along other bony prominences such as the elbows, the hips, and the ears. Individuals who are thin may also acquire pressure sores in places others may not such as along the spine and the scapulae (shoulder bones).
What a Pressure Care Routine looks Like
A pressure care routine includes a schedule for repositioning as well as following safety protocols to ensure regular hygiene and care for the skin. For persons who have restricted mobility, repositioning should take place every 15 minutes. Such as shifting the weight in a chair or moving the body in bed so that the same skin surface is lifted away from material for a time. Prolonged pressure against a bed or a cushion can increase a person’s chances for developing or worsening a pressure sore.
Sitting and reclining surfaces should be wrinkle-free or frequently inspected for wrinkles and properly readjusted. Fabrics such as pillowcases and sheets should be regularly sanitised to prevent infection.
How the Ambassador Recliner assists with Pressure Care
Ambassador recliners come with several positioning features that aid in pressure care, which is essential for individuals who are unable to manage their own pressure care independently. Therefore, each chair is equipped with a pressure-relieving cushion, recline at multiple anglesa and footrest features that can be adjusted to any elevation that the user may need. Repositioning features working together helps the user accomplish regular pressure-relieving stances throughout the day.
Types of Pressure Care Inserts that are compatible with the Chair
Ambassador recliners are compatible with numerous pressure-relieving cushions. Cushion options such as Roho, foam, gel, and material combinations can be slid right into the seat. This gives the user freedom to choose their preferred seating cushion while offering a safe recliner where the cushion won’t slide or fall out.
Infection control- Preserving Skin integrity
To prevent infection, Ambassador recliners also come with 4-way stretch fabric that is easy to clean and keeps the wrinkles at bay. This means that the user can sit in the chair for long periods of time without having to readjust cushion cases or other fabrics, and users and caregivers can wash fabrics regularly without wearing or wrecking the material.
Tips for Caregivers: Spotting the beginning stages of Pressure Sores
It is important for recliner users and their caregivers to continue regular inspection for forming pressure sores. And, especially for persons who are completely immobile. Daily, inspect all the hotspots for pressure sore development. Look for red or dis coloured patches of skin that are rough, warm hard, and/or spongy to the touch. Consult with a physician if needed.
Pressure care is crucial for individuals who have limited mobility. Ambassador recliner chairs come with tools and supports that aid users and their caregivers in preventing unnecessary pressure-related injuries.
Where Do I Get Pressure Care in a Lift Chair From
Ambassador is the leading manufacturer of lift chairs for healthcare in Australia. We source medical grade electrics and made to Australian Standards.
Our durable lift chairs for the bariatric, larger and highly dependent clients are all made to order in Australia. Allowing custom options, specifically for the healthcare industry and high needs clients. Providing customised fabrics, seat height, seat width, seat depth changes, pressure care and foam variations.
References
Kirman, C.M. (M.D.). (2020). What is the mortality rate for pressure injuries (pressure ulcers)? Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/answers/190115-82434/what-is-the-mortality-rate-for-pressure-injuries-pressure-ulcers#:~:text=Each%20year%2C%20approximately%2060%2C000%20people,risk%20of%20mortality%20to%2055%25..
Rodgers, K., Sim, J., & Clifton, R. (2020). Systematic review of pressure injury prevalence in Australian and New Zealand hospitals. Collegian, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2020.08.012
