How to Prevent Pressure Injuries in Home Care Patients

When caring for a loved one who spends long hours in bed or a wheelchair, one of the biggest challenges is preventing pressure injuries—also called bedsores. These painful wounds develop when constant pressure cuts off circulation to the skin, especially over bony areas like heels, hips, and the tailbone.

The good news? With daily attention, the right equipment, and small adjustments, most pressure injuries are completely preventable at home.

1. Know the Risk Factors

Pressure injuries are most common in:

• Individuals with limited mobility or paralysis

• Those with poor circulation or diabetes

• People who are underweight or malnourished

• Seniors with thin or fragile skin

• Skin that is moist for prolonged periods (incontinence)

Regular assessment is key—check vulnerable areas daily for redness, discoloration, or warmth.

2. Reposition Regularly

The simplest and most effective strategy is repositioning.

• For patients in bed: turn them every 2 hours.

• For those in wheelchairs: encourage a weight shift every 15 minutes or assist with a full reposition every hour.

Use turning sheets or slide boards to make movement easier and avoid friction. Consider an alternating pressure mattress or gel seat cushion—these relieve constant pressure and distribute weight more evenly.

3. Keep Skin Clean and Dry

Moisture increases the risk of skin breakdown.

• Cleanse gently after any incontinence episodes using pH-balanced wipes.

• Pat (don’t rub) the skin dry.

• Apply barrier creams to protect against irritation. This was my mother’s favourite —> click here

• Easy clean up with these flushable wipes

4. Support Good Nutrition and Hydration

Healthy skin needs protein, vitamins, and hydration.

• Include lean meats, eggs, yogurt, and beans in daily meals.

• Encourage frequent sips of water throughout the day.

A registered dietitian can help if your loved one struggles with appetite or weight loss.

5. Inspect Skin Every Day

Make skin checks part of your daily routine.
Use natural light or a flashlight to examine high-risk areas:

• Heels

• Hips and tailbone

• Elbows and shoulders

• Back of the head

If you notice redness that doesn’t fade after pressure is relieved, that’s an early warning sign—address it right away with repositioning and padding.

6. Use Support Surfaces Wisely

Not all mattresses and cushions are created equal.

• Foam wedges and positioning pillows can keep pressure off sensitive areas.

• Low-air-loss mattresses allow air circulation to keep skin cool and dry.

• Avoid donut cushions—they can actually worsen pressure around the wound.

Check out this memory foam wedge that can help with positioning and support.

Final Thoughts

Preventing pressure injuries takes a combination of vigilance, equipment, and care—but it’s far easier than healing one after it develops.
By staying proactive, you protect not only your loved one’s skin but also their comfort, dignity, and overall quality of life.