bedsores in dementia patient

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Hi: My wife is 60 years old, has something called FTD which is an early onset dementia, she's in the advanced stages and is home with me, she doesn't talk anymore and needs total assistance. She's developed bedsores on her bum, the exact location is about an inch down from the top of her crack, on both sides. I'm using the 'restore' type patches which work if they'd only stay put, but with the location of the sores they bunch up right away, plus my wife will pick at them.. In reading about stages these sores are probably a two heading towards a three. I also use A&D ointment and Boudreaux's butt paste which works except does nothing for the open part of the sores. I clean the site daily with saline water. I have the air type bed mattress pad that alternates pressure points and use a seat cushion for her chair. I go through a lot of the 'restore' patches and since they don't stay put wondered if a cheaper option would work? For example, I've seen 'tegaderm' type patches that are cheaper and wondered if they'd suffice. My wife's lost a lot of weight and there's nothing left to her bum, would the thinner patches be better or would it be better to get fatter ones? Long story short I'm looking for advice on different types of wound care for this, I know different things work for different people. I do have her on hospice care but have read some posts on this site and would value some of your professional experiences and opinions. Thanks

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

AN's terms of service do not allow asking for or giving medical/treatment advice, which is what you are asking. You need to discuss this with your wife's care team.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

It would be very wrong for any of us to comment on any part of your wife's care without knowing or seeing her. Your hospice team would be a great resource for your questions. It sounds as if you're really working hard to provide loving care to your wife.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

Hi Dave, I'm sorry to hear about your wife. Have you asked her care team about getting a consult with a wound/ostomy/continence RN? AN members can't give medical advice, but someone with specialized training in wound care and prevention who can see your wife in person should be able to help you.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Consult with a wound care specialty center. Good luck

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As already stated we can not give any advice.

You write that your wife receives hospice care - they coordinate her care and it is best to discuss it with hospice.

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