The Truth About Bedsores: What Every Family Caregiver Should Know

For seniors who are bedridden, use wheelchairs, or have limited mobility, bedsores aren’t just painful—they’re dangerous. Often starting as small red patches, these wounds can lead to infections, long-term complications, or even hospitalization. But the encouraging news? Bedsores are preventable with the right care.

If you’re caring for an aging parent or loved one in Atlanta, Georgia, here’s what you need to know—and what you can do today to help them live comfortably and safely.

Bedsores Are a Warning Sign, Not Just a Skin Issue

Also known as pressure ulcers, bedsores develop when someone stays in one position for too long, reducing blood flow to the skin. They often appear on:

• Tailbone and hips

• Heels and ankles

• Elbows and shoulders

• Back of the head

When your loved one has limited movement, they depend on you or a caregiver to help relieve pressure and keep skin healthy.

At Abba Health Services, our in-home caregivers are trained to monitor and prevent bedsores with expert positioning and gentle skin checks.

Early Signs Are Easy to Miss—Until It’s Too Late

Bedsores start small and painless. Without regular checks, they can become infected and develop into open wounds requiring emergency treatment.

Look for these signs:

• Red, purple, or dark patches that don’t fade

• Warmth, swelling, or tenderness in certain areas

• Skin that feels spongy or firm

• Blisters or open sores

If your loved one is bedridden or sits for long hours, schedule a home safety and care consultation in Atlanta to protect them before wounds appear.

Preventing Bedsores Is Easier Than Healing Them

Once formed, pressure ulcers can take weeks or months to heal. That’s why prevention is key, especially for those living with conditions like stroke, dementia, or Parkinson’s disease.

You can help by:

• Changing their position every 1-2 hours

• Using pressure-relieving cushions or mattresses

• Keeping skin dry and moisturized

• Encouraging light movement or stretches

Not sure how to reposition someone safely? Our trained team can help you or provide support during recovery.

Wheelchair Users Need Special Attention Too

Bedsores aren’t limited to bedridden seniors. Those who use wheelchairs daily are also at risk, especially if posture is poor or sitting periods are long.

Prevent wheelchair-related sores by:

• Encouraging shifts in sitting position every 15–30 minutes

• Ensuring seat cushions are supportive and not worn out

• Checking underarms, backs, and thighs for pressure signs

• Incorporating daily physical therapy when possible

Learn how we support wheelchair-bound clients throughout Atlanta with customized mobility care.

Seniors With Dementia Often Can’t Communicate Pain

Many seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia can’t explain where it hurts or what they need. That makes them especially vulnerable to bedsores—and other overlooked health concerns.

Our memory care professionals are trained to spot discomfort, respond to non-verbal cues, and gently perform regular skin inspections without confusion or distress.

You May Be Doing Your Best—But You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Family caregivers are loving, committed, and often exhausted. Bedsores can happen even under the best intentions, especially when you’re juggling work, family, and your own health.

Instead of feeling guilty, get support:

• Let professionals assist with hygiene and repositioning

• Use respite care to avoid burnout

• Build a daily care routine that protects skin and dignity

Learn more about our compassionate caregivers and family support on our About Us page.

Local Resource: Grady Wound Care Center – Atlanta

If your loved one is experiencing advanced or infected pressure sores, the Grady Wound Care Center in Atlanta offers specialized treatment and therapy options.

For non-medical prevention and in-home comfort care, Abba Health provides daily, weekly, or 24-hour caregiver support to help your loved one avoid painful complications.

Compassionate Care Starts With Consistency

Preventing bedsores isn’t about fancy products—it’s about daily attention, gentle care, and professional consistency. That’s what we provide every day in homes across Atlanta.

With Abba Health Services, you’re not just hiring help—you’re gaining a team that sees your loved one, respects their dignity, and understands what it means to care with patience.

Take Action Before a Sore Starts

Don’t wait for a red spot to turn into an emergency. If your aging parent or bedridden loved one needs help with:

• Repositioning

• Hygiene care

• Pressure relief cushions

• Daily skin checks

👉 Schedule a care appointment now. Let us help you prevent the pain that no senior should have to endure.

Every person deserves to age in comfort, not in pain. With the right support and guidance, your family can provide that peace—without burning out.

📞 Reach out here to learn more about bedsore prevention, skin care, and personalized senior support in Atlanta, Georgia.

📞 Contact Us

Phone: 678-885-7229
Address: 2470 Windy Hill Road, Suite 300, Marietta, Georgia 30067
Email: [email protected]

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