Why pressure sores develop
Pressure sores develop from prolonged pressure on the skin. That is why a bedbound person is repositioned regularly and their skin is checked daily; the doctor or nurse will advise how often.
Daily care
Methods and approaches
Home care is made up of simple actions repeated every day. What matters is not knowing lots of techniques but doing the basics regularly and noticing changes in time. This section covers the everyday side of care; anything that requires medical knowledge stays with the doctor and nurse.
The most valuable thing a relative can do is not to treat but to observe: to see the skin every day, to hear how the person speaks, to notice how much they have drunk. Changes are visible to the person who is close by.
How this section works: we describe everyday tasks that families carry out themselves and explain why they are needed. We do not set frequencies, routines or any medical decisions — those are discussed with the doctor or nurse.
Hygiene and skin
Clean, dry skin and regular repositioning are the foundation of pressure sore prevention.
The daily check
Pay attention to the areas pressed against the bed. Tell the doctor or nurse about redness that doesn't fade, a small wound or a change in skin colour.
Linen and respect
Dry, smooth linen without creases protects the skin. During personal care, keep the body covered and explain what you are doing: this preserves the person's dignity.
Drinks and food
The doctor sets the routine for drinks and meals; the family's job is to make it workable.
Hidden lack of fluid
In older people dehydration can develop unnoticed, because the sense of thirst may weaken with age. How much to drink is for the doctor to decide.
A drink in sight
A cup within arm's reach and offers of a drink throughout the day help more than spoken reminders.
Meals as an occasion
A comfortable position, a calm setting and favourite dishes, if the doctor has no objection, support appetite. Tell the doctor about changes in appetite and weight.
Movement and position
Manageable activity and changes of position matter even for someone who hardly gets up.
What the person can do alone
Encourage everything your relative can do independently: sit up, comb their hair, reach for a mug. This preserves both strength and self-respect.
Repositioning as agreed
How often and exactly how to change position is best shown and explained by a nurse. Ask them to teach you safe techniques.
A safe route
If the person walks around the home, the route should be clear and well lit. More details are in the falls prevention article.
What to report to the doctor or nurse straight away
- Redness or a small wound on the skin that doesn't go away
- The person is drinking or eating noticeably less than usual
- Drowsiness, confusion or unusual restlessness has appeared
- The person is finding it harder to move or get up
- You are not sure you are carrying out the prescribed care correctly
Related sections
- Prevention
A fall-proof home: how to go through the home room by room and remove whatever is easy to trip over.
- Ask the doctor
What to ask the doctor and nurse about monitoring at home, the medication schedule and warning signs.
- Glossary
Words that come up in conversations about home care — briefly and without medical detail.
Sources
- Guidance on caring for people with limited mobility
- WHO — materials on healthy ageing
- Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation — public information leaflets
Information is current as of the date of preparation. Arrangements for home medical care, social services and paperwork differ between countries and can change — check the details with your local health and social services.