After you learn about a pressure ulcer, your next steps can directly affect what evidence is available later.
Do these things early:
- Ask for the wound timeline: When it was first noticed, its stage when first documented, and the dates wound care began.
- Request the resident’s skin assessment history (including risk screenings).
- Collect turning/repositioning documentation and any care-plan notes tied to mobility limits.
- Get copies of incident reports and nurse’s notes related to the ulcer, infection, or deterioration.
- Write down your observations while they’re fresh—especially dates you reported concerns and how staff responded.
In Lincoln, families frequently reach out after they’ve been told, “It can’t be helped” or “the condition progressed.” Even when medical issues are involved, pressure ulcers are often preventable when risk is identified and care is followed consistently.


