Reduced mobility: what should you ask about preventing pressure sores at home?

Persistent redness, a painful area or a change in skin warmth or firmness at a pressure point should be reported to the doctor or nurse. Skin that is still intact may already be affected. Assessment belongs to the care team.

A pressure sore is an injury related to prolonged pressure on tissues. Risk particularly concerns people who remain in bed or a chair and struggle to move. Immobility and malnutrition are among the factors to assess.

Ask how risk is assessed and when it should be reassessed if health or mobility changes. HAS combines clinical judgement with an assessment scale. A score completed at home on its own does not replace this professional assessment.

Clarify the plan for position changes and the help needed to carry them out. A suitable mattress or cushion complements reducing prolonged pressure. A 2026 HAS opinion on home prevention after surgery also combines suitable support surfaces with repositioning.

Agree with the care team on checking pressure areas and hygiene measures to prevent prolonged skin moisture. At-risk areas must not be massaged or rubbed. Have suitable actions demonstrated instead of improvising treatment on a red area.

Prevention includes food intake and the participation of the person and their family. If a pressure sore has not healed before returning home, clarify the written instructions and named professional contact. Report practical difficulties following the plan so it can be reassessed.