Manual:
Assisted Living Community
Chapter:
Provision of Care Treatment and Services PC
Topic:
Pressure Ulcer - Prevention Actions
What are some actions staff can take to prevent pressure ulcers in high risk residents?
Any examples are for illustrative purposes only
A multi-component approach is recommended. The plan of care for a resident at risk for developing a pressure ulcer should include the following:
A multi-component approach is recommended. The plan of care for a resident at risk for developing a pressure ulcer should include the following:
- Skin inspection, skin cleansing, care for dry skin, use of moisture barriers and massage
- Nutritional support based on an individualized nutritional needs assessment
- Avoidance of skin injury from friction or shear forces through the use of positioning, transferring and turning techniques
- A plan to maintain and, when appropriate, to increase mobility and activity level
- Improvement in positioning, repositioning, transferring and turning techniques to reduce skin injury caused by friction and shear force
- Use of repositioning devices, and mechanical loading and support surfaces to reduce skin injury caused by friction or shear force
- Staff educational programs on the assessment, prevention, and treatment protocols.
In addition, any hand off communications should include relevant information about the resident's risk of developing a pressure ulcer, or the treatment and status of any existing pressure ulcers.
Last updated on November 18, 2021
with update notes of: Editorial changes only
First Published Date: April 11, 2016