by Rein Tideiksaar, PhD

Purpose of SecureSleeves™ for Arms and Legs:

Skin bruises, abrasions and tears caused by minor trauma are a common complication in patients/residents with friable skin. SecureSleeves™ are designed to:

• Protect sensitive, friable skin from trauma.
• Protect against odor causing bacteria often accompanying deep wound and skin problems.
• Protect I.V. and wound sites.

Facts About Skin Trauma

The risk of skin trauma (bruises, abrasions and tears) is great in patients/residents with sensitive skin. Skin trauma frequently occurs during:

• A fall against or bump into furnishings with sharp edges, such as dressers, tabletops, chair frames, wheelchairs, unpadded side rails, and other objects.
• Caregiver assistance with mobility (lifting, turning, positioning and transferring techniques).

Injured Body Part 

• The upper extremities (forearm and hand) are most frequently the site of injury, followed by the leg.
  

Identified Risks for Skin Trauma

• Advanced age
• High fall risk status
• Sensory loss
• Compromised nutrition
• History of previous skin trauma
• Cognitive impairment
• Dependency
• Poor mobility
• Polypharmacy
• Use of an assistive device
• Decreased vision

Prevention of Skin Trauma

• Patients/residents should be encouraged to wear long sleeves, pants or SecureSleeves™ for protection against injury.
• Educate staff on the importance of carefully handling elderly patients/residents with frail skin. Encourage proper positioning, turning, lifting, and transferring techniques.
• Provide padding to bed rails, wheelchair arm and leg supports, and any other equipment that may be utilized to protect the patient/resident from accidentally bumping into a hard surface.
• Provide a well-lit environment to minimize the risk of patients/residents bumping into equipment or furniture.

How to Use SecureSleeves™ for Arms and Legs:

• In patients/residents at risk for skin trauma, use SecureSleeves™ to protect frail skin of arms and legs.
• In patients/residents with skin wounds, use SecureSleeves™ to secure nonadherent dressings.
• In patients/residents receiving intravenous therapy, use SecureSleeves™ to protect I.V. site.

Testimonial from a DON who has experienced the PSC difference... Quality, Service & Savings:

I just wanted you to know that since our facility has replaced our old alarms with the Secure® P.A.D.S. Alarm II our falls have been reduced 63%. Our residents can no longer turn them off or remove them as they did with the other alarms. Thank you for such great products and great "fast" service. There were a few times I needed the alarms quickly and they were here the next day.

I thank you and our residents families thank you for making their loved ones safer

Jackie Jeffery RN, C DON
John Knox Manor