Is there anything I can do to keep sores from breaking out on dad who is in hospital. He is diabetic.?

Question

He has a stage 4 bedsore, suffered a stroke and dr's say there is nothing else that can be done. I refuse to accept this answer. They are letting him just lie there and die. He is fully alert. How can I convince them there are other things they could do when I dont even know myself.

Answer 1

There may be no medical treatment which will help but he's entitled to basic nursing care to keep him comfortable. He should be moved every hour, his vulnerable points (elbows. heels, buttocks) should be protected with sheepskin pads. If he is incontinent he should be catherised to save more damage to the skin. He should be getting adequate food and fluids and medication for his diabetic control. If he is in pain he should be getting painkillers as needed to keep him comfortable. He is entitled to his dignity as a person! I have seen patients get into an awful state becuse of bad nursing (not on MY ward though!!!!) and have seen them overlooked as "hopeless". I am passionate that everyone, no matter what their outlook needs love and care. If his present hospital is not providing all the care above, get him moved and make an official complaint!
He could live for a good while longer, but as he is alert his mental health will suffer if he is left in a bad way and he will lose the will to live.
Make a noise, complain, verbally and in writing. Find a better hospital or care facility;

Answer 2

Bedsores are extremely difficult to get rid of when a person is immobilized and confined to bed. The problem is even worse for diabetics.

The sores stand a good chance of healing if the person can sit up in a chair or recliner (provided the sores aren't on the rump or back). Beside keeping the sores clean, the most important thing to be done is to make sure that there is no pressure on the sores, and to keep new sores from developing. Sometimes, this effort requires hiring helpers 24 /7 to ensure that the patient is turned regularly, and placed without putting pressure on the sores. There are a variety of air- and water filled mattresses and pad for this purpose.

The attached link has good information:

Answer 3

You can buy for him,at a medical supply company.
Eggcrate Mattresses they look like eggcrates but they are made of of styrofoam.Then demand a dermatologist for your Dad,or get a lawyer for medical abuse.and neglect.Also get another doctor ,a second opinion,to come into the hospital,and check your Dad's condition.
Your Dad suffered a stroke true,but people everyday are
being released from hospitals,and go on a live a long and
healthy life. I don't know if he is a diabetic get a specialist
in dermatology and diabetics and do this on your Dad's
permission.You need to address 1 ) Dermatologist in to see your Dad before his stage 4 bedsores get worse and
some part of his body has to be amputated,2)Get second opinion by Doctor not associated with that hospital,for all doctors in that hospital will stick together. 3 ) Check out
home care though the dermatologist and second opinion
doctor about home care or another hospital where the Hospital Staff REALLY CARES 24/7. 4) Get a lawyer on this terrible neglect and abuse of your Dad's care. This
hospital he is in is deplorable

Answer 4

I am no doctor. But my dad was in hospital for a long time and my sister is a nurse. She used to get him to move and lie on a different side (if possible) so the pressure sores didn't happen. Also there is a special bed you can get. Its one that lifts up at the top middle and bottom, and cost a lot of money, the hospital where my dad was used these. Its a bit late now to say massage because he already has sores doesn't he? Good Luck.

Answer 5

This is very serious and can produce a life threatening infection, especially if not aggressively treated. All of the goals of protecting, cleaning and alleviation of pressure on the area still apply. Nutrition and hydration is now critical. Without adequate nutrition, this wound will not heal.

Anyone with a Stage IV wound requires medical care by someone skilled in wound care. Surgical removal of the necrotic or decayed tissue is often used on wounds of larger diameter. A skilled wound care physician, physical therapist or nurse can sometimes successfully treat a smaller diameter wound without the necessity of surgery. Surgery is the usual course of treatment. Amputation may be necessary is some situations.

Answer 6

Stage 4 bedsore? Never heard of it called that. They aren't moving him enough if he has bedsores. I'd get him to another facility. They will have to do surgery on the one he has to clear away the dead tissue before it spreads. And it will spread fast. There is nothing worse than the smell of necrotising flesh.

Answer 7

As far as bed sores, they can try preventing them by changing your Dad's position every 2-3 hours. Using pillows between his legs and under his back at times can help to relieve pressure. Massage can help as well. Don't let them get away with not changing his position. It's standard nursing care to prevent bedsores.

Answer 8

Many common natural remedies are claimed to have blood sugar lowering properties that make them useful for people with or at high risk of diabetes. Learn here https://tr.im/Xfb0k

A number of clinical studies have been carried out in recent years that show potential links between herbal therapies and improved blood glucose control, which has led to an increase in people with diabetes using these more 'natural' ingredients to help manage their condition.

Answer 9

He is not being turned often enough! You should complain but it probably won't change anything. Need to get air to the sore bits I think and it is probably down to family to do that.

Have heard a few stories over the years - and it has been down to the commitment of the family whether the situation improves.

Hope you have plenty of siblings!

Good luck. Perhaps you can ask the nurses what ointment to buy so you can do that too? Get packs of surgical gloves to do it though so you don't make infection worse.

Answer 10

I have visited family in hospital who have been on special foam matteresses to minimilse bed sores, I know some paraplegics have special matteresses too.

Skin should be kept clean and dry, so sweating and laying in it all day wont help. He should be turned regularly.

If you are not happy with the service your dad is getting and in the UK talk to the PALS (Patient Advice Liaison Service), there should be an office in the hospital. It is a free service that offers help and advice and can get advocates too if necessary.

Good luck and hope your Dad not in too much pain