Bedsores are a condition where skin and tissue are damaged due to prolonged pressure, commonly occurring in bedridden patients or individuals with disabilities. This article provides detailed information on the definition, causes, prevention methods, treatment processes, and government support policies for bedsores. Policies may vary by year or region, so please verify the latest details.

What Are Bedsores?

Bedsores refer to a state where skin and subcutaneous tissue necrose due to impaired blood circulation from continuous pressure on specific body parts.

They primarily occur in bony prominence areas such as the tailbone, sacrum, heels, and hips, and are common in the elderly or patients with limited mobility.

Causes include not only pressure but also friction, moisture, nutritional deficiencies, and sensory impairments acting in combination.

Stages and Symptoms of Bedsores

Bedsores are classified into stages 1 through 4, starting with skin redness in the early phase but progressing to deep ulcers if untreated.

• Stage 1: Skin reddens with pain, but no ulceration.
• Stage 2: Superficial skin peeling or blister formation.
• Stage 3: Damage extending to subcutaneous fat layer.
• Stage 4: Exposure of muscle and bone, with high infection risk.

Symptoms include pain, discharge, and odor, making early detection crucial.

Bedsores Prevention Methods

Prevention basics include repositioning every 2 hours, maintaining skin cleanliness, and ensuring nutritional intake.

• Use support surfaces (such as mattresses) to distribute pressure.
• Maintain skin hydration and moisture control.
• Balanced diet rich in protein.

High-risk individuals require regular skin assessments.

Bedsores Treatment Process

Treatment involves wound cleansing, dressing, and infection management, with surgical debridement required in severe cases.

Nutritional supplementation and repositioning are performed concurrently, with health insurance coverage resulting in patient copayments of 20-50%.

Government Support Policies

The government supports assistive devices such as bedsore prevention mattresses through the National Health Insurance Service.

Eligible individuals are those with physical or brain lesion disabilities unable to reposition independently, with a standard amount of approximately 400,000 KRW and a durability period of 3 years.

Long-term care grade recipients are also eligible for welfare devices within annual limits, though facility residents may face restrictions.

Eligible recipients include individuals with physical or brain lesion disabilities scoring 53 or below on the Modified Barthel Index or leg strength grades 0-2, as well as long-term care grade holders.

Supported items include bedsore prevention mattresses (air type, etc.) and cushions.

Support limits are around 400,000 KRW standard, with copayments of 15-50% varying by income.

Usage period is 3 years (durability period).

Application method involves submission to the corporation or community center after obtaining a prescription.

Policies may differ based on changes, so verification is necessary.

Common Misconceptions and Precautions

A common misconception is ignoring initial redness, which leads to rapid deterioration.

Prevention mattresses do not apply to all patients.

Precautions: Risk of sepsis if infected; daily skin observation is essential.

Essential Checks Before Applying for Bedsore Support

Before applying for bedsore-related support, please directly verify the following on official institution websites.

• Whether your disability type and severity match support criteria (e.g., Modified Barthel Index, strength tests).
• Current year’s support limits and your copayment amount.
• Usage period (durability) and reapplication timing.
• List of prescribing hospitals and required documents (prescription, test records).

Review the latest notices or laws from public institution programs to check balances or status. Since policies may change, inquire based on your personal situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for bedsore prevention mattress support?

Individuals with physical or brain lesion disabilities who have difficulty repositioning, or long-term care grade holders. Exact criteria depend on test results and may vary by policy.

What are the support amount and period?

Standard amount approximately 400,000 KRW, usage period 3 years. Copayments vary by income level; check the latest notices.

What is the application process?

Submit doctor’s prescription to National Health Insurance Service branch or community center. Verify required documents on official sites.

Is bedsore treatment covered by insurance?

Health insurance applies, with copayments of 20-50% for dressings, etc. Low-income individuals may qualify for reductions; confirm details.