My 96 year old grandmom has developed a large bedsore/bruise on her coccyx that isn't going away. We think it is from spending much of the day sitting in her armchair. I recently learned of ROHO cushions as a good remedy for pressure sores, but there is such a variety of options available–– high/low profile, number of cells, contoured/not contoured. Many of them are evidently intended for wheelchair use. She still walks and occasionally uses a wheelchair when there is far to walk. I'm not sure how to choose the one that would be best suited to her situation. Are there any considerations with regard to the high/low profile issue besides seat height? Her present armchair is a good height for her right now, so I imagine she wouldn't want to go too high profile or she will struggle to get seated, but we could always get her a lower seat if higher profile cushions are better for some reason. Another potential issue is that she has a tendency to slide down in her seat when she puts her feet up, which is most of the time. So would that be a reason to get a contoured cushion––to keep her further back on the seat? Or would a contoured cushion be too restrictive for an armchair situation? Lastly, cost––holy cow these cushions are expensive ($350+)! In searching for them, I've come upon similar, but to varying degrees more affordable cushions made by other companies (Kolbs, Drive Medical Balanced Aire Adjustable,...). Are any of these any good? Or are there any you'd recommend? ROHO also offers a couple of drastically less expensive ones (their "MOSAIC" and "LTV" cushions are both under $100). Why the price disparity? Are they inferior in some way? Wow, long post! If you've made it this far, thanks for reading. I look forward to your advice!
It is durable medical equipment (dme) and Medicare should pick up part of the cost if the doctor writes a script for it.
Definitely go through the proper channels to have her needs evaluated by an occupational therapist, it may be time to ditch the chair in favour of something else. When buying medically necessary equipment is almost always more cost effective to go through the proper channels, that way you are not wasting money on items that are not adequate to meet your needs.
I forgot to answer your question (lol). Mom's OT told us that ROHO is the top of the line and is always the go to when dealing with pressure relief.
Other things that help prevent bed sores.... Increase protein in diet....keep skin clean and dry....be sure to lubricate the skin with lotions or ointments.
Grace + Peace,
Bob
The problem with being proactive and purchasing before problems develop is that it needs to be deemed medically necessary in order for government programs to subsidize the cost, have you checked that out 😲? I don't know how well the lower price ROHO cushions compare but I figure if they were sufficient to do the job they wouldn't make the pricey ones.
What ended up working for him was the "Ultimate Seat" by Purple Mattress. He has a very bony behind and so far, no breakdowns! It's 20" seat, yet it works for us.
You can successfully use Colloidal Silver Gel to heal bed/pressure sores. It takes time but it does remove the pain and burning.
I do like the suggestions for changing positions and keeping skin moisturized so will work with that approach for now.
As for the name ROHO here's a link to a story on the company
bnd.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/answer-man/article70731142.html
If that doesn't work basically the inventor's name was Robert Henry and the "O"s came from the periods after his initials. File that in the strange but true category.
Didn't mean to hijack the post, I just know how awful those sores can become, a lady at dad's AL had to have a suction machine on for months trying to heal one. Poor thing.
Best of luck getting mom healed and a product that stops future issues.