Use of pressure reducing seats and cushions in a community setting

It is generally accepted that sitting for long periods of time without frequent repositioning or provision of appropriate cushions or chairs can lead to pressure ulcer development in people who are elderly, frail, immobile or neurologically impaired. When sitting, in comparison to lying, only a small surface area of the body is providing support, predominantly the buttocks and thighs, and the feet. Therefore, interface pressures are much greater in sitting than lying. Sitting for long periods of time can result in the person adopting poor posture, which in turn can lead to the development of pressure ulcers, particularly on the buttocks, sacrum, greater trochanter and heels. Assessment and provision of appropriate seating equipment for people at risk is often difficult for clinicians working in the community. This article aims to describe the problems experienced by people who sit for long periods of time, to discuss where people should go in order to obtain help with seating needs, and outline some of the potential solutions to poor seating which are available to community staff.