The best way to prevent pressure injuries is to minimise pressure or friction on skin. An example of this may be staff helping people who are unable to move on their own to change position regularly. Managing regular pain can also help people stay mobile.
Keeping clean, looking after the skin, and having a healthy diet are also very important. Plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, and water can help the skin stay healthier and less likely to be injured.
Care recipients should be assessed regularly. This can identify if they need help to change positions, or if something else can help such as a specialised mattress. A care plan can be developed if needed. A pressure injury can develop in just a few hours, so regular skin checks by care staff are necessary.
Pressure injuries can be hard to heal. Healing can take more time for those who are elderly, frail, do not eat properly or move much, and have other health problems. The injury must be treated to stop the wound from getting worse.
If a care recipient develops a pressure injury, they should be referred to a doctor who can look into what may be causing it. The aged care home should also make sure care recipients see a wound care nurse, occupational therapist or dietitian if needed.