How Skilled Nursing Facilities Can Prevent Bedsores: Protocols That Work
Effective Bedsore Prevention in Nursing Homes Starts with the Right Protocols
Bedsores—also known as pressure ulcers—remain one of the most preventable yet challenging complications in skilled nursing facilities. They not only impact a resident’s comfort and quality of life, but they can also lead to serious infections and prolonged hospitalizations. The good news? With proactive care, staff training, and the right interventions, bedsores can often be avoided altogether.
At Advanced Wound Care, we support nursing homes throughout Wisconsin by bringing advanced wound treatment directly to the bedside. But our goal is always prevention first. Empowering staff with practical protocols and the tools to identify early warning signs is the key to keeping residents comfortable, reducing avoidable hospitalizations, and improving overall outcomes. Here's how skilled nursing facilities can take a proactive approach to pressure injury prevention—starting today.
Daily Protocols That Prevent Pressure Ulcers
Consistent daily routines are one of the strongest defenses against bedsores. Key prevention strategies include:
- Routine repositioning of immobile residents at least every two hours
- Use of pressure-relieving surfaces such as specialized mattresses and cushions
- Daily skin assessments to catch early signs of breakdown
- Good nutrition and hydration to support skin integrity
- Incontinence care to prevent moisture-related skin damage
These protocols should be built into every care plan and supported through ongoing staff training and accountability.
Early Warning Signs Every Caregiver Should Know
The earlier a bedsore is identified, the easier it is to treat—and the lower the risk of complications. Staff and caregivers should be trained to look for:
- Red or discolored areas that don’t fade when pressed
- Skin that feels unusually warm, firm, or spongy
- Open sores or blisters, especially over bony areas
- Complaints of localized pain or discomfort from the resident
Regular documentation and escalation of any concerns can dramatically reduce the risk of a wound progressing to a more severe stage.
When to Call in a Mobile Wound Care Team
Despite best efforts, pressure ulcers can still occur—especially in patients with complex medical conditions, limited mobility, or poor circulation. That’s when it’s time to involve a specialized wound care provider.
Advanced Wound Care partners with skilled nursing facilities across Wisconsin to:
- Perform bedside evaluations of new or worsening wounds
- Deliver advanced treatments such as debridement, specialty dressings, and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT)
- Collaborate with nursing staff to optimize care plans and prevent future wounds
We don’t replace your in-house team—we enhance it. Our mobile wound care specialists work alongside your nurses and clinical staff to provide expert guidance, advanced treatment options, and continuity of care tailored to each resident’s unique needs. By bringing hospital-grade wound care directly to your facility, we help reduce transfers, accelerate healing, and support better long-term outcomes—all while keeping your residents right where they belong: safe, supported, and at home in your care.
If your team is managing pressure injuries—or working hard to prevent them—it’s time to partner with experts who come to you. Reach out to Advanced Wound Care today and let’s build a proactive wound care strategy together.