Pressure ulcers in care homes: assessing specific risk factors and planning individualised care to support prevention

Pressure ulcers in care home residents are a significant concern. Staff in care home settings require practical knowledge and skills to identify residents at increased risk of developing pressure ulcers and to implement effective prevention strategies. However, these staff often face challenges in accessing relevant education, due to time pressures, staff turnover and financial constraints. This article explores the assessment of two specific risk factors for development of pressure ulcers in older people in care home settings: dementia or cognitive decline; and skin integrity towards the end of life. It aims to support staff in person-centred care planning for these specific risks using a structured framework for pressure ulcer prevention, thereby enhancing quality of life and communication with residents and their families.