Preventing Pressure Sores at Home | Nurse’s Guide for Family Caregivers
Elderly Home Care Services in Mangalore | Trusted Senior Nursing at Home
October 20, 2025
Introduction: When Caring Becomes Healing
For many families in Mangalore, caring for a bedridden parent or loved one at home is both a duty and a deep act of love.
Yet one silent threat can quickly turn that love into worry — pressure sores, also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers.
These painful wounds can form when a patient remains in the same position for too long, especially over bony areas like the hips, back, or heels. According to WHO data, up to 20–30% of bedridden patients in home settings are at risk.
At Shri Manjunatha Home Nursing, our trained nurses have helped hundreds of families prevent and manage pressure sores with gentle, consistent, evidence-based care.
Here’s our step-by-step guide to protecting your loved one’s skin — and dignity — at home.
What Causes Pressure Sores?
Pressure sores develop when continuous pressure reduces blood flow to the skin.
Common causes include:
- Prolonged bed rest or immobility
- Moisture from sweat or urine
- Friction from sheets or clothing
- Poor nutrition or dehydration
- Medical conditions affecting circulation (like diabetes)
The good news? Most pressure sores are preventable with attentive care and simple daily routines.
Step-by-Step Nurse’s Guide to Preventing Pressure Sores at Home
Step 1: Reposition Regularly
Frequency: Every 2 hours (or as advised by your nurse).
Use a turning schedule — left, back, right — to relieve constant pressure.
Nurse Tip:
Place a pillow between knees or ankles to prevent skin friction. Use draw sheets to lift, never drag.
Step 2: Keep Skin Clean and Dry
- Gently wash skin with mild soap and lukewarm water.
- Pat dry (avoid rubbing).
- Use a barrier cream for moisture-prone areas like buttocks and heels.
Nurse Tip:
Avoid talcum powder; it can dry the skin too much.
Step 3: Inspect Skin Daily
Early signs of pressure injury include:
- Redness that doesn’t fade after 30 minutes
- Warm, swollen, or tender areas
- Blisters or breaks in skin
Nurse Tip:
Do this check during bath time or clothing change.
Step 4: Use Pressure-Relieving Devices
Consider:
Air or ripple mattresses
Gel cushions
Foam heel protectors
These reduce friction and distribute pressure evenly.
Our home nurses help assess which support surfaces suit your patient’s weight and mobility.
Step 5: Encourage Movement
Even small changes — sitting up, assisted leg stretches, or range-of-motion exercises — improve circulation and reduce sore risk.
Our physiotherapy partners in Mangalore can provide guided exercises for bedridden patients.
Related Services: Bedridden Patient Care Services
Step 6: Maintain Good Nutrition & Hydration
- A protein-rich diet helps repair tissues and maintain skin elasticity.
Include: - Eggs, fish, pulses, curd
- Leafy greens and fruits rich in Vitamin C & Zinc
- At least 8 glasses of water daily
Ask our dietician for a personalized meal plan for bedridden patients.
Step 7: Use Proper Bedding and Clothing
- Choose cotton sheets, changed daily.
- Avoid wrinkles or crumbs in bed.
- Loose, breathable clothing prevents friction.
If possible, use an anti-bedsore mattress (available through our rental partners in Mangalore).
The Nurse’s Touch: Why Professional Help Matters
Even with family care, nursing supervision ensures medical precision.
Our home nurses are trained to:
- Monitor early-stage pressure sores
- Perform sterile wound dressings
- Use antiseptic or hydrocolloid dressings when needed
- Record daily skin assessments
Families often tell us they feel relief once a trained nurse visits — not just for medical skill, but for emotional reassurance.
Case Story: Healing with Care
When Mrs. Asha, a 72-year-old diabetic from Bejai, became bedridden after a stroke, her daughter noticed red patches near her heels.
Within days of hiring Shri Manjunatha Home Nursing, our visiting nurse implemented a turning schedule, air mattress, and high-protein meal plan.
Within two weeks, the redness faded — and more importantly, no new sores formed.
Her daughter said:
“I learned that prevention isn’t about expensive equipment — it’s about gentle, consistent care.”
Technology in Home Nursing
We now integrate digital patient logs, remote wound photo updates, and AI-based risk assessment tools to monitor healing progress.
Families can track reports through WhatsApp or our secure patient portal — ensuring transparency and peace of mind.
How to Book a Qualified Nurse in Mangalore?
- Call or WhatsApp: +91-903 585 3555
- Schedule a free consultation: Our team assesses your patient’s mobility and skin condition.
- Get matched with a nurse: Based on your timing, gender preference, and care needs.
- Start care: Our nurse begins on-site care with a full skin safety checklist.
- Call or WhatsApp: +91-903 585 3555
Visit: www.shrimanjunathahomenursing.com to book your in-home nursing support today.
