Protecting Skin, Preventing Harm
Pressure injuries occur when sustained pressure, often combined with shear, damages the skin and underlying tissues. Patients who have difficulty changing position independently, reduced ability to feel pressure, inadequate nutrition, or underlying health conditions are at increased risk of developing pressure injuries. Early risk identification and consistent preventive care are essential to reducing avoidable harm.
Assess risk and relieve pressure. Help the patient change position regularly, according to their abilities and care needs, following guidance from their healthcare professional. Use appropriate pressure-redistributing mattresses and cushions when indicated, and ensure vulnerable areas, particularly the heels, receive adequate pressure relief. Support safe transfers to minimise friction and shear.
Inspect the skin and recognise early changes. Pay particular attention to the sacrum, hips, heels, elbows and other pressure-prone areas. Persistent discolouration, localised warmth, swelling, unusual firmness or pain may indicate early tissue damage, even when the skin remains intact. In darker skin tones, discolouration may be less obvious than redness. Report concerning changes promptly and avoid massaging affected areas.
Maintain skin integrity. Keep the skin clean, manage moisture and incontinence promptly, and use appropriate skin-protection products when indicated. Support adequate nutrition and hydration according to the patient’s needs. Suspected pressure injuries require clinical assessment and an individualised management plan.
Pressure injury prevention goes beyond repositioning. It requires regular risk assessment, effective pressure relief, appropriate equipment, skin surveillance, nutritional support and timely action when changes occur.
Assess. Relieve. Protect. Monitor. Escalate.
Through regular skin assessment, appropriate pressure relief and attentive daily care, home care helps protect vulnerable patients from preventable skin damage while promoting comfort, dignity and overall well-being.
