Bed sores, pressure sores

[Muffster]

Just found out from my elderly MIL that my even more elderly and very frail FIL has bed sores or pressure sores. Can anyone recommend what would help, in terms of cushioning and easing him as he sits and lies down? Preferably something I can order from Amazon or Boots. I’m not based in the U.K. so all I can do is order stuff to be delivered to them.
She has said she thinks some kind of gel cushion would help but I don’t know where to start. Thanks

Is someone monitoring them and checking that they are not deteriorating? District nurses involved?

They need a referral OP.

He may need an airflow mattress/cushion to reduce the risk of these happening. Has he got underlying conditions? Underweight?

Is anyone tending to these? A nurse or doctor? Are social work involved? Has he got care needs?

If not, it may be something to consider. It they aren't looked at properly then they can become quite serious.

Sorry are they in UK?

Apparently the GP has made a home visit and recommended MIL is classed as a carer which will entitle her to some help but it all apparently takes weeks and FIL is sore and uncomfortable now.
They are shielding.

Careco are a good company for looking to see what is available. Often that can then be ordered from amazon. But if they are already there they need looked after by the professionals so district nurse or similar. The one that surprised us with my dad was the dietician who provided advice on diet to strengthen the skin.

Can you ring the GP and ask for a community nurse referral? They will be able to grade and dress any pressure damage. Is he eating and drinking properly? Also is it worth asking for a package of care?

He has numerous health problems and is almost 90. MIL is 78. He has had a heart attack and surgery, cancer, eye problems and being investigated for Parkinsons (in August) and is clearly declining and frail but wants to die at home. MIL is exhausted and lonely. It’s about practical things to make him comfortable now as he sits dozing in his chair. Like, if I can send some gel cushions or inflatable washable cushions and they arrive Tuesday morning that will make a big immediate difference

Just seen your latest post. If they are in the uk they need to apply for carers allowance. As well as being a bit of extra money it also opens other doors.

Its worth you phoning the local adult social care as well. They may not discuss directly with you but can given general advice.

Thanks for all responses. They are in U.K. in Scarborough. I’m the other side of the Atlantic

I’m going to ask MIL tomorrow which, if any local nurse/social worker/carer support they are receiving. I don’t know what they are entitled to as am not in UK. My understanding is that the local GP who has referred previously for vision/neurological etc issues and Parkinson’s concerns has made a home visit and said “you need to be classified as a carer” to MIL, but I don’t think MIL knows what that entails, she said it will “take weeks and he’s so uncomfortable now”

Are they in the U.K.? That makes a big difference.
If they are he needs a community nurse to visit- GP should refer to the community trust.
They’ll complete a risk assessment and give appropriate advice. Untreated pressure damage worsens and can not only be horrifically painful but can also lead to other complications such as sepsis.
If a community nurse thinks he needs specialist equipment they’ll arrange it. It can usually be sorted with a 24/48 hour turnaround.

In the meantime the answer is to relieve pressure as much as possible by moving, changing position, standing or turning.
Lots to drink, good high protein food, barrier cream if incontinence is an issue.
If the wound is open, it needs dressing not old wives tale stuff like letting the air get to it. Not a sticky plaster dressing either.

I will look at Careco, thanks for that.
Appreciate the advice. No idea how to navigate the NHS system, and I don’t think MIL knows either...

She doesn’t need classifying as a carer for anything other than benefits. All community care is free. She’s misunderstood, I suspect. Call the GP and possibly the community nurses directly- number usually available via google.

He will need a pressure relief cushion and mattress which are likely to cost £££ if you are trying to buy then yourself. They need equipment supplied by a specialise healthcare team, for example there are cushions that are for high, medium and low risk people. If he was in nursing care he would also be being repositioned every 2 hours at least.

If you ask MIL to phone GP tomorrow and to ask to be seen by the community or district nurse then they can come out and assess.

Also think it would be a good idea as PP to get on the ball to adult social services too to see what help and support they can get.

Must be horrible being so far away!

Ask to be referred for district nurse help. They can come in up to 4 times a a day

He may also need to see a tissue viability nurse and the sores may need dressing.

He may also need to see a tissue viability nurse and the sores may need dressing.

Yes, they are in UK, in Scarborough.
I would hope that after visiting the GP would start the process of organising nurse visits or a care package or equipment but I don’t know if that’s how it works?

He can’t really move about much. He sits and dozes. He sleeps. He is very frail and has balance issues, he struggles to eat soft food with a spoon. MIL is trying to keep him comfortable but it’s hard for a woman approaching 80 to lift and turn him.

This is what he will need.

This is what he will need.

This is all fantastic advice thank you so much.
Feel so helpless so far away in a different time zone.

Sorry, yes cherrypavlova is right that all the help can be obtained without MILbeing officials listed as a carer. It just helps a bit but in the case of pressure sores isn't the priority

My suggestion would be you MIL phoning doctor and saying they have got worse and she is worried about infection. It definitely sounds like someone needs to take a look and see what is going on.

The elderly parents board is full of us who have been through similar.

www.humber.nhs.uk/services/scarborough-and-ryedale-integrated-prevention-community-care-and-support-service.

P
This is the trust. On the site is a self referral form. Cut and paste to your browser.
Please don’t buy things that may not be the right items.

On the form use the words “ I believe it may be a safeguarding issues and that he may be at risk of harm”. Grade 3/4 pressure damage is considered a serious incident.
Explain you’re overseas and can’t navigate the NHS.

He needs an alternating air pressure cushion. They're very expensive, and he could probably do with one for the bed by the sounds of it too, plus a district nurse to keep an eye on the sores he already has. You're much better off going through the NHS and getting an OT assessment. Phone the GP and ask for this to be done. It doesn't matter if this referral has already been made, they obviously need to communicate better to your MIL in that case, and better twice the check than none.