Families often don’t see the first problem at first—they notice it after the injury becomes visible during visits. In the days leading up to that moment, warning signs can include:
- Missed or inconsistent repositioning assistance (especially for residents who can’t independently change positions)
- Delays in responding to early skin redness or “non-blanchable” areas
- Gaps in wound care follow-through or unclear updates between shift notes
- Hygiene and toileting assistance that appears rushed or infrequent
- Care plan changes not reflected in daily documentation
Lombard’s suburban routine can add to the challenge: adult children and family visitors may work standard schedules and rely on facility updates. When communication is delayed, families can lose precious time noticing patterns—so it’s important to document what you observe as soon as you can.


