Carital Optima, DHG’s anti-deformation mattress, has become the first pressure ulcer prevention support surface to be given Dementia Design Accredited Product status by the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at Stirling University.
The DSDC is an internationally recognised centre for knowledge exchange and research impact dedicated to improving the lives of people with Dementia. A product accreditation from the DSDC supports clinicians to create environments suitable for a Dementia and ageing population by streamlining the product selection process.
A full report of the accreditation can be obtained from your DHG representative, however, some summary statements can be seen below:
- “The DSDC team are of the view that this is a much needed product and recognise that the Carital Optima goes beyond the threshold of a “Dementia friendly” product, as it is essential in helping those with Dementia avoid pressure ulcers.”
- “The team agrees that the mattress itself is very comfortable and efficient for a Dementia patient.”
- “The adjusting mattress does not have levels of noise that are of concern for a Dementia patient.”
Dementia and Pressure Ulcer Risk
66.5%
of advanced Dementia patients develop a pressure ulcer1
96 vs 863 days
mean survival rate of Dementia patients with pressure ulcers compared to Dementia patients without pressure ulcers1
There is mounting evidence that Dementia patients are at an increased risk of pressure ulcers.2,3 Continued research suggests that the abnormal changes in the brain that lead to Dementia are not localised there only, occuring in other body systems at the same time, including the skin.4
Several elements may be considered when choosing an appropriate support surface for Dementia patients:
- A surface with minimised movement, yet still appropriate for use in High/Very High Risk patients
- A surface that is quiet/can be silenced to avoid disruption/heightened sensitivity
- A surface with battery back-up to maintain treatment should a power failure occur
References
1. Jaul, E., Meiron, O., & Menczel, J. (2016). The Effect of Pressure Ulcers on the Survival in Patients with Advanced Dementia and Comorbidities. Exp Aging Res. 42(4):382-389.
2. Jaul, E., Rosenzweig, JP., & Meiron, O. (2017). Survival Rate and Pressure Ulcer Prevalence in Patients With and Withou Dementia: A Retrospective Study. J Wound Care. 26(7):400-403.
3. Jaul, E. et al. (2019). Spasticity and Dementia Increase the Risk of Pressure Ulcers. Int Wound J. doi:10.1111/iwl [Epub ahead of print]
4. Jaul, E., and Meiron, O. (2017). Dementia and Pressure Ulcers: Is There a Close Pathophysiological Interrelation? J Alzheimers Dis. 56(3):861-866.