We understand that preventing pressure ulcers while continuing to do the things that matter most to you can be challenging, and that there is often a balance to manage between the two. A safe routine means planning and doing simple, everyday things to protect your skin from pressure ulcers. It’s about knowing what works best, doing it regularly and planning ahead if your routine changes.
It can be hard to prevent pressure ulcers when you have a busy life. A safe routine involves simple, practical steps to protect your skin and stay safe.
You can write as much or as little as you like.
Yes. Check your plan regularly.
Sharing your plan helps others understand how to support you.
IMPORTANT: if you have a pressure ulcer and become unwell seek NHS help. It could be that you have an infection that will need medical treatment.
Urgent help: Without treatment infections can lead to Sepsis, a serious illness which can be life threatening. Symptoms vary but can include confusion, slurred speech, breathing difficulties. Further information about sepsis and what to do is provided here. If you can’t use the weblink and your gut instinct is that you are really unwell and need urgent help cal 999.
Prompt help: if you notice a change in your wound (e.g. increased dressing leakage, pain or odour) or feel generally ‘off it’ (e.g. high temperature, tiredness) and your GP is open, request a same day appointment, explaining that you suspect you have a wound infection that could get worse without treatment. If during the evening or at weekend call 111 for further advice.
The template below can be used to help you plan your usual daily routine. It can also be used if you plan to do something different (e.g. planned hospital admission, going on holiday) or if there are changes in your risk (e.g. injury, becoming unwell), which could increase your risk and impact your skin. You can look at this alone, but it may be helpful to include those who support you so they know the plan and how they can help. You might find it helpful to consider the things that may make you at risk.
You can download a paper version below:
If you would prefer a printed version, you can download the full guide as a PDF. This provides the same information in an easy-to-follow format that you can read offline, keep to hand, share with others, or take with you to appointments.
