Are some residents more likely than others to develop pressure areas?
Yes. Residents are more likely to develop pressure areas if they have:
- reduced ability to move or reduced activity
- poor nutrition or malnutrition
- moisture or sweating
- weight problems (such as being overweight, underweight or experiencing weight loss)
- reduced or altered levels of consciousness and sensation.
If a number of these risk factors occur simultaneously, the resident may be at greater risk of developing a pressure area. If residents have challenging behaviours, it may be difficult to treat any pressure areas that could develop.
Occasionally, a usually fit and active resident may have an ‘unwell’ day and stay in bed. A pressure area can develop during this time.
Take some time to look at the Well For Life resources, particularly the resources developed for improving nutrition and physical activity for residents of aged care facilities.
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