Positioning for Preventative Care

Because quadriplegics do not have any apparent feeling below the neck,  it is vital that the caretaker reposition them at least every two hours.  By doing so, this will prevent the onset of decubitus wounds, better known as bed sores.

The most prominent area of the body to acquire a decubitus is at the end of the spinal cord (coccyx), or tailbone.  Also they can appear quite frequently on the heels of one's feet.  Patients requiring positioning throughout the day usually have "compression boots", which are placed on the feet to provide extra cushioning and protection for the skin.

While positioning a spinal cord injury patient, and / or quadriplegic you will need several pillows, as well as a 'bed pad'.  The bed pad is key to maneuvering the patient side to side in the bed.  As you lift the bed pad and gently turn the patient on his / her side , you will fold a pillow(s) length wise and place underneath the bed pad.  Be sure to readjust the patient's weightbearing shoulder to avoid poor circulation.  Once the patient is comfortable on that side, you then place a pillow between their legs as far up as the knees, keeping correlating bones from touching one another.  Finally, be sure the patient has complete access to any assistive devices he or she may need to function within their personal capacity.