床ずれの在宅ケア

A large proportion of home care patients are at risk of pressure ulcer. The occurrence rate of pressure ulcer is higher in home care patients than that in the patients of hospitals and welfare facilities. The home care patients need long-term conservative treatment because of the depth of the pressure ulcers.Treatment of the pressure ulcers at home results in increase of caregivers burden. Therefore,prevention and early detection of pressure ulcers are important in home nursing. In early stage of pressure ulcers，“deep tissue injury”should be taken into consideration because of its progressive nature. It is a new concept which presents deep tissue damage remaining superficial skin intact.One of clinical features in this condition is induration in a deep layer.The past decade has seen a huge growth in the application of pressure relieving mattresses,absorbent products for urinary and faecal incontinence, and skin barrier products to prevention of the pressure ulcers. Economical, physical, and psychological burden of nursing at home should be decreased with an accumulation of these information and utilization of the products. Therefore, it is important for caregivers to consult with their care managers and acquire new knowledge and information.