A model for assessing and correcting the risk of developing pressure ulcers in the system of long-term care for geriatric patients with limited mobility

Abstract

The article is devoted to the results of the third stage of the scientific and practical project on the introduction of advanced social practices based on innovative gerontotechnologies into the system of long-term care for geriatric patients. It has been established that senile xerosis or skin «frailty» occurs in 75% of the population over 65 years old, when increased dryness of the skin leads to peeling, the formation of microcracks, the appearance of senile itching, sleep disturbances, the development of pressure ulcers and, as a result, a decrease in motor activity. During the project, a tactic was developed for the care of «frail» skin in patients with senile xerosis and the risk of pressure ulcers. The article presents information about the current problems of diagnosis, correction and prevention of pressure ulcers in patients with limited mobility of elderly and senile age. The results of a comparative analysis of the severity of pressure ulcers and their impact on the quality of life in the system of long-term care for geriatric patients with limited mobility before and after the use of Cicalfate+ Eau Thermale Avène («Pierre Fabre», France) emollient were presented. A model was built and practical recommendations were given on the use of the most informative and adequate scales for predicting and assessing the risk of developing pressure ulcers in patients of older age groups.