Date: 20 Feb 2026
Caring for a bedridden patient at home is an act of love, patience, and commitment. Whether you’re looking after an elderly parent, a recovering patient, or a loved one with a chronic illness, one concern often comes up sooner than expected — pressure sores.
Pressure sores don’t appear overnight, but once they develop, they can be painful, slow to heal, and even life-threatening if infected. The encouraging truth is this: most pressure sores are preventable with the right knowledge, routine care, and simple tools.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about pressure sore prevention, using clear language and practical tips you can apply at home starting today.
Pressure sores — also called bedsores or pressure ulcers — are areas of damaged skin and tissue caused by prolonged pressure. When someone stays in the same position for too long, blood flow to certain parts of the body is reduced. Without enough blood, oxygen, and nutrients, the skin begins to break down.
Pressure sores commonly develop in bedridden patients because movement is limited or absent.
These are areas where bones press closely against the skin.
Pressure sores don’t mean poor caregiving — they mean the body is under stress. Bedridden patients are more vulnerable because:
Understanding these risks is the first step toward effective pressure sores prevention.
Pressure sores are not just surface wounds. If ignored, they can progress from mild redness to deep open wounds affecting muscles and bones.
If untreated, pressure sores can lead to:
Prevention is far easier, less costly, and far less painful than treatment.
Repositioning is the single most important step in preventing pressure sores.
A bedridden patient should be repositioned every two hours to relieve pressure and restore blood flow. Even small adjustments — turning slightly to one side or supporting the body with pillows — can make a huge difference.
Helpful tips:
A standard mattress concentrates pressure in the same areas. Pressure-relieving mattresses are designed to distribute weight evenly.
These mattresses:
For long-term bedridden care, this is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.
Skin that stays wet or dirty breaks down much faster.
Daily skin care should include:
Never scrub fragile skin — gentle care preserves the skin barrier.
Pressure sores often start quietly, with subtle signs caregivers might miss.
Check the skin daily for:
Catching these signs early can stop a sore from developing.
Healthy skin needs fuel to stay strong.
Bedridden patients require:
Poor nutrition weakens the skin and slows healing, making pressure sores more likely.
Supportive products can significantly improve bedridden care at home. Below are four products available at Pharmily Limited Kenya that help prevent, manage, and support pressure sore care.
This mattress alternates pressure points automatically, preventing prolonged pressure on any one area. It is one of the most effective tools for long-term pressure sore prevention in bedridden patients.
Zinc & Castor Oil Cream combines the skin-soothing benefits of zinc oxide with the natural emollient properties of castor oil. It forms a protective layer on the skin, helping to prevent irritation from moisture, friction, or environmental factors.
For early skin damage or minor wounds, Betadine helps clean the area and reduce the risk of infection while healing begins.
Nutritional supplements provide protein, calories, and essential vitamins to support skin strength, immunity, and recovery when regular meals are insufficient.
NOTE: Always consult a healthcare professional before starting new treatments or supplements.
Pressure sores are not a normal part of bedridden care — they are largely preventable.
Contact a healthcare provider immediately if:
Early medical intervention prevents complications.
Pressure sore prevention is about attention, consistency, and compassion. Small daily actions — turning a patient, checking their skin, ensuring good nutrition — can prevent serious complications and unnecessary suffering.
With the right home-based care practices and supportive products from Pharmily Limited Kenya, caregivers can protect their loved ones, preserve comfort, and improve quality of life.
Q. How often should a bedridden patient be repositioned?
Every two hours is ideal to prevent pressure buildup and skin damage.
Q. Can pressure sores be prevented completely?
In many cases, yes. With consistent repositioning, skin care, nutrition, and pressure-relieving tools, the risk is significantly reduced.
Q. Are pressure sores painful?
Yes. They can be extremely painful and become worse if infected.
Q. Do pressure sores heal at home?
Early-stage sores can heal with proper care. Advanced sores require medical treatment.
Q. Is a special mattress really necessary?
For long-term bedridden patients, a pressure-relieving mattress is one of the most effective prevention tools available.