Bedsores are target of study

Posted: Thursday, January 6, 2011 8:01 pm

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A University of Cincinnati study is trying to reduce bedsores at Kentucky nursing homes in a seemingly simple way.
Every two hours, music plays over a loudspeaker. That’s the signal for caregivers to stop what they’re doing and make sure residents are repositioned.
Bedsores are areas of damaged skin caused by staying in one position too long. They can lead to serious infections that can even be life-threatening. The problem is on the rise nationally.
Pam Larimore-Skinner is director of nursing at Signature HealthCARE of Trimble County in Bedford, which is participating in the study. She told The Courier-Journal that time can get away from workers and they don’t always realize that two hours have passed since they moved a patient. The music is a gentle reminder.