28 Jan How to Reduce Pressure Injury Risk in Long-Term Care
Pressure injuries, also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers, are a serious health concern in long-term care settings, especially among elderly individuals with limited mobility. They result from prolonged pressure on the skin and underlying tissues, typically over bony areas such as the sacrum, hips, and heels. Preventing these injuries is essential to maintaining comfort, mobility, and overall well-being in care environments. Below are practical, evidence-based strategies to help reduce the risk of pressure injuries in long-term care.
Use Appropriate Support Surfaces to Minimise Pressure
The right bedding and cushioning solutions can significantly reduce the risk of skin breakdown. In long-term care settings, standard mattresses are often inadequate for those at high risk. Alternatives such as alternating pressure mattresses, static air overlays, or foam pressure-relief surfaces help distribute weight more evenly and reduce sustained pressure on vulnerable areas.
Caregivers and facility managers should regularly assess and upgrade bedding solutions where necessary. A wide range of pressure care mattress options for pressure injury management are available to support different levels of risk and mobility, from preventative overlays to active therapeutic systems.
Reposition Individuals at Regular Intervals
Frequent repositioning is a critical part of pressure injury prevention. For individuals confined to bed or a chair, changing position at least every two hours helps maintain blood flow and prevent tissue damage. Repositioning techniques, such as using the 30-degree tilt method, can also reduce pressure on key risk zones like the sacrum and heels while maintaining comfort.
Staff should use slide sheets or mechanical aids to reposition safely and avoid additional shear or friction injuries during movement.
Conduct Daily Skin Checks and Maintain Hygiene
Early detection is essential. Carers should perform daily skin inspections, focusing on common risk areas. Signs such as redness, warmth, hardness, or discolouration may signal early-stage pressure injury.
Maintaining clean, dry skin reduces infection risk and supports resilience. Use of pH-balanced cleansers, soft cloths, and gentle patting, rather than rubbing, can help protect the skin barrier. Where needed, apply barrier creams to shield against moisture caused by incontinence or perspiration.
Ensure Adequate Nutrition and Hydration
Poor nutrition can increase the likelihood of pressure injuries and slow healing. Protein, zinc, and vitamin C are especially important for tissue repair and immune function. Carers should monitor food intake and watch for signs of weight loss or dehydration, particularly in residents with dysphagia or cognitive decline.
Hydration also plays a key role. Dry skin is more prone to cracking and damage, so regular fluid intake should be encouraged unless restricted for medical reasons.
Support Prevention with Ongoing Assessment
Pressure injury risk should be assessed upon admission to a care setting and reviewed regularly thereafter. Tools like the Braden Scale can help carers systematically evaluate risk based on mobility, nutrition, moisture, and other factors. Tailored care plans can then be developed to address individual vulnerabilities.
Regular reassessment ensures that changes in mobility, health status, or weight are factored into updated prevention strategies, keeping the approach responsive and effective.
Educate Staff and Family on Risk Reduction Techniques
Everyone involved in care, nurses, support workers, and family members, must understand how pressure injuries develop and how to prevent them. Staff should receive regular training on correct repositioning techniques, support surface use, and early warning signs. Families providing in-home care should also be shown how to assist with inspections and pressure relief safely.
Having consistent protocols in place ensures that prevention is not left to chance and that every care recipient receives the attention they need to stay safe and comfortable.
Every Step Counts Toward Prevention
Reducing pressure injury risk in long-term care is not about a single intervention—it’s about combining consistent care practices, appropriate equipment, and staff awareness. Whether at home or in residential care, these steps form the foundation for better comfort, fewer complications, and a more dignified experience for older adults.
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Last Updated on January 28, 2026 by Marie Benz MD FAAD