Sumed’s Approach to Pressure Ulcer Prevention.
At Sumed International, we’re committed to partnering with care homes to provide the best possible care for residents. With over 35 years of expertise, we specialise in developing and delivering premium pressure relief products and mobility aids designed to ease the workload of care home staff and comfort residents.
Pressure ulcers are currently one of the biggest concerns in care homes, so we are committed to helping you prevent them. With the right tools and approach, caregivers can help residents manage pressure ulcers better if they are at risk of developing them.
They develop when prolonged pressure cuts off blood flow to areas of skin, typically over bony prominences. They can range from small superficial lesions to extensive muscle and bone wounds. While anyone can develop a pressure ulcer, certain factors increase risk, including:
- Limited mobility
- Poor nutrition
- Older age (especially over 70)
- Incontinence
- Certain medical conditions like diabetes or vascular disease
Caregivers can easily incorporate several practical strategies into their routines to prevent pressure ulcers. You can reposition residents every 2-4 hours, depending on their level of risk. This simple action will significantly reduce pressure on sensitive areas and reduce the possibility of pressure ulcers.
Skin care is also important. Keep the skin dry, moisturised, and clean. Barrier creams are great for incontinent people. Maintaining good skin health requires proper nutrition and hydration; ensure residents eat a balanced diet with plenty of protein and fluids.
Risk assessments can help identify residents who need more attention. Check the skin every day to catch early signs of damage. Pressure-relieving equipment, like support surfaces, can redistribute pressure and prevent ulcers.
With high-quality materials and innovative design features, our Integrity Static Cushions help prevent and manage pressure ulcers. These cushions redistribute pressure and reduce skin damage. A larger surface area spreads the user’s weight over a greater area, reducing pressure concentrations on any single point.
EasyGo patient lift and transfer chair addresses many common complaints associated with traditional hoists. Traditional hoists have long been a source of frustration for caregivers. They can be cumbersome, difficult to manoeuvre, and can be challenging to manoeuvre. A lot of users and staff complain about the awkwardness of traditional hoists, saying they don’t work well in tight spaces, they need several staff members to work effectively, and patients feel uncomfortable. EasyGo makes lifting and transferring patients easy by streamlining the process and giving patients more dignity. Designed to move residents from bed to wheelchair, toilet, car, and more, EasyGo can handle everything. We have also recently developed a patient transfer seat which can incorporate any of the Integrity Static Cushion range, helping residents receive optimal pressure relief and comfort during transfers, combining the best features of both products.
Remember, pressure ulcers are almost always preventable with the right approach. Our shared goal is to make your job easier so you can focus on providing exceptional care and, most importantly, improving the quality of life for your residents. Having the right equipment is only part of the solution. That’s why we offer comprehensive product training and ongoing support to empower you to get the most out of our pressure relief solutions. Our support includes in-person and online training sessions, detailed user manuals and quick-start guides, access to our customer support team for advice, and regular updates on best practices in pressure ulcer prevention.
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