Pressure ulcers don’t usually appear out of nowhere. They often develop during periods when residents are:
- spending long stretches in the same position (bed or wheelchair)
- needing assistance with turning, toileting, or hygiene
- experiencing reduced mobility after illness or surgery
- dealing with moisture, incontinence, or poor skin integrity
- facing staffing gaps that reduce timely checks and wound monitoring
If you’re visiting a loved one and notice redness that doesn’t fade, skin that looks “broken,” or a wound that seems to worsen quickly, don’t assume it’s inevitable. Ask for the resident’s current risk assessment and the steps the facility says it is taking to prevent further injury.


