In wheelchairs, the way you sit can cause weight to be continuously applied to the same spot, which can lead to bedsores. Here are three points that family members can check.
Three points to check
- Are you sitting deeply with your buttocks all the way to the back of the seat? (If you sit shallowly, your body tends to slide forward.)
- Are your feet firmly on the foot support?
- Is your body leaning to one side or the other?
Spending long periods in a wheelchair puts constant pressure on the same areas of the body. Occasionally adjusting your posture or repositioning yourself can help reduce this strain.
If you keep sliding forward or tilting your body no matter how many times you readjust your position, the wheelchair may not be a good fit for you. Consider consulting a care manager, physical therapist, or assistive device specialist.
*Reference: Based on the Japanese Society for Pressure Ulcers' "Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Pressure Ulcers (4th Edition)" and the content of a webinar by Tokuki Ukita of Tohoku Fukushi University.
Consult with a care concierge.
