Caregiver & Patient Guide
Essential information for caregivers and patients on how to prevent pressure ulcers (bedsores) through proper positioning, skin care, and early detection.
Pressure sores (also called pressure ulcers, bedsores, or pressure injuries) are areas of damaged skin and tissue caused by prolonged pressure that cuts off blood flow. Without adequate blood flow, skin and underlying tissue begin to die, creating wounds that can range from mild to life-threatening.
Pressure sores can develop in as little as 2-3 hours of immobility. Once formed, they can take months to heal and may require surgery. However, most pressure sores are completely preventable with proper care.
2.5 Million
People develop pressure sores annually in the U.S.
95%
Of pressure sores are preventable
Understanding risk factors helps you take preventive action. Multiple risk factors increase danger significantly.
Bedridden, wheelchair-bound, unable to change position independently, sedated, or paralyzed patients are at highest risk.
Older adults have thinner, more fragile skin, reduced circulation, and slower healing. Risk increases significantly after age 70.
Malnutrition, low protein intake, dehydration, and being underweight weaken skin integrity and impair healing.
Incontinence (bowel or bladder), excessive sweating, or wound drainage softens skin and makes it vulnerable to breakdown.
Nerve damage from diabetes, spinal cord injury, or sedation means patients can't feel discomfort that prompts repositioning.
Diabetes, peripheral artery disease, heart disease, or smoking reduce blood flow, making tissue more susceptible to pressure damage.
Dementia, confusion, sedation, or unconsciousness prevents self-repositioning and communication of discomfort.
Both very thin (bony prominences create pressure points) and obese (more pressure, harder to reposition) patients are at higher risk.
Steroids thin the skin and impair healing. Sedatives reduce movement. Pain medications may mask discomfort signals.
If your loved one has 3 or more of these risk factors, pressure sore prevention should be a top priority. Extra vigilance and aggressive preventive measures are essential.
Reposition bedbound patients AT LEAST every 2 hours, 24 hours a day. High-risk patients may need repositioning every 1-2 hours or even more frequently. This is NON-NEGOTIABLE for prevention.
For wheelchair users, encourage repositioning or weight shifts every 15-30 minutes. Use pressure-relief techniques like leaning forward, lifting off the seat, or shifting weight side to side.
Specialized mattresses and cushions redistribute pressure and reduce risk:
Note: Even with special surfaces, regular repositioning is still required!
Good nutrition strengthens skin and supports healing:
Even small amounts of movement help:
Catching pressure sores in Stage 1 can prevent serious complications. Check skin daily and act immediately if you see warning signs.
What it looks like: Red or discolored area that doesn't turn white when you press on it. Skin is intact (not broken). May feel warm, firm, soft, or painful compared to surrounding skin.
ACTION: Immediately relieve ALL pressure from this area. Do not position on this spot. If caught here, it may heal in days.
What it looks like: Open shallow wound, blister (intact or ruptured), or abrasion. Pink/red wound bed, no yellow tissue. Looks like a scrape or blister.
ACTION: Call healthcare provider immediately. Needs professional wound care. Keep area clean and protected.
What it looks like: Deep crater-like wound. Fat visible, but not muscle/bone. May have yellow dead tissue (slough). Edges may be undermined or tunneled.
ACTION: URGENT medical care needed. This is a serious wound requiring specialized treatment.
What it looks like: Extremely deep wound exposing muscle, tendon, or bone. May have black dead tissue (eschar). Often has undermining and tunneling. Life-threatening infection risk.
ACTION: EMERGENCY medical attention. May require surgery. Poses serious health risks including sepsis and death.
Even Stage 1 pressure sores need immediate intervention. Don't wait—call your healthcare provider or wound care specialist right away.
Call 877-545-1300 NowOur wound care specialists can assess risk, provide education, and help you implement effective prevention strategies at home.
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