World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics state that worldwide obesity has almost tripled since 1975; in 2016, over 650 million individuals were classed as obese.1 In 2016/2017 there were a total of 617,000 NHS admissions where obesity was recorded as either a primary or secondary diagnosis, an increase of 13% from the previous year.2

The negative effects of excessive moisture at the skin are well known. Excessive moisture weakens the linkages between the collagen fibres in the dermis and softens the stratum corneum, leading to the skin becoming macerated or “boggy”. This maceration increases the skin’s susceptibility to shear, friction and deformation, ultimately increasing the susceptibility to pressure injury formation.

November 21st 2019 is World Wide Pressure Injury Prevention Day. Beginning in 2012, World Wide Pressure Injury Prevention Day is a global, annual event in which industry, healthcare professionals, the public and the media come together to raise awareness of pressure injuries.

Pressure injuries (also known as pressure ulcers), are characterised by localised injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue, usually over a bony prominence as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear1.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a process that occludes blood flow in limb arteries, which is often asymptomatic1. PAD is a manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis, affecting between 10–15% of the general population.2

As patient age and acuity levels continue to rise, increasing frailty, complex underlying chronic diseases and rising obesity add to the daily challenges faced by clinicians. These challenges include pressure injuries; wounds characterised by localised injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue, usually over a bony prominence as a result of pressure or pressure in combination with shear.1

Arjo in association with the Australian College of Nursing are again working in partnership to present this year’s webinar for the World Thrombosis Day focusing on Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) prevention.

The Carter House Lifecare & Village is a 17-bed Stage III Dementia Unit in the town of Te Puke on New Zealand’s North Island. It caters to a range of residents in various stages of age, ethnicity, and dementia. The facility evaluated the Wellness Nordic Relax Chair and its combination of features such as music, tactile stimulation, and rocking motions.

A growing issue in healthcare globally, dementia care is delicate and complex, filled with nuances and challenges. A person centred care approach can be vital in helping facilities care for their residents and patients living with dementia. 

When designing a care environment, people – in this case residents in long-term care settings and patients in acute care settings, as well as the caregivers – should be at the centre of the entire process. This focus is essential to achieve an attractive and efficient environment that stands the test of time.