Promoting Awareness on Worldwide Pressure Injury Prevention Day: Understanding Pressure Injuries
- Kindred Care
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
🌍 Worldwide Pressure Injury Prevention Day – 20 November 2025
At Kindred Care, we’re proud to support global awareness of pressure injury prevention. Pressure injuries are largely preventable with early assessment, regular monitoring and evidence-based care — and protecting skin integrity is a key part of the support we provide.
What They Are, How They Happen, and How We Can Prevent Them
Pressure injuries — sometimes called bedsores or pressure ulcers — are more common than many people realise, and they can have a serious impact on comfort, mobility and overall health.
The good news is that most pressure injuries are preventable with the right knowledge, awareness, and care practices.
At Kindred Care, supporting skin integrity and reducing preventable harm is a central part of the work we do every day. This article explains what pressure injuries are, how they occur, where they commonly develop, and what steps can be taken to minimise the risk.
What Are Pressure Injuries?
A pressure injury occurs when an area of skin and the underlying tissues are damaged due to constant pressure, reduced blood flow, friction, or shear (sliding). When the skin doesn’t receive enough oxygen and nutrients, the tissue begins to break down, leading to redness, pain, open wounds, and sometimes infection.
Pressure injuries can affect people of all ages, but the risk is higher for individuals who have limited mobility, chronic illness, or rely on others for repositioning.
How Do Pressure Injuries Occur?
Pressure injuries typically develop in three main ways:
1. Prolonged Pressure
Staying in the same position for extended periods — whether lying in bed or sitting in a chair — can stop blood flow to the skin.
Damage can begin in as little as two hours.
2. Shear (Sliding)
When the skin stays in place but the body shifts, such as sliding down in bed, deeper tissues stretch and tear.
3. Friction
Rubbing the skin against bedding or clothing can weaken its surface and make it more vulnerable.
Other contributing factors include moisture, poor nutrition, dehydration, and health conditions that affect circulation or sensation.
Where Do Pressure Injuries Commonly Develop?
Pressure injuries often occur over bony or weight-bearing areas. The most common high-risk areas include:
Back of the head
Shoulders
Elbows
Lower back and buttocks
Hips
Inner knees
Heels
These are areas where skin is thinner or experiences more pressure when lying or sitting.
Why Preventing Pressure Injuries Matters
Pressure injuries are a major health concern in Australia:
13% of overnight hospital patients experience a pressure injury
6% of aged care residents are affected at any given time
The national cost of treatment exceeds $9 billion annually
Beyond the statistics, pressure injuries can be painful, slow to heal, and can significantly reduce a person’s wellbeing and independence. That’s why prevention is essential.
How Pressure Injuries Can Be Prevented
The most effective prevention strategies include:
✔ Regular Repositioning
Changing position reduces constant pressure and restores blood flow.
✔ Daily Skin Checks
Early signs — such as redness, warmth, or firmness — should never be ignored.
✔ Support Surfaces
Specialised cushions, mattresses, and heel protectors help reduce pressure.
✔ Good Nutrition & Hydration
Healthy skin needs protein, vitamins, and plenty of fluids.
✔ Moisture Management
Keeping skin clean and dry helps maintain its strength.
✔ Communication & Teamwork
Clients, families, and care teams working together make prevention far more effective.
Kindred Care’s Commitment
At Kindred Care, we follow evidence-based practices to prevent pressure injuries wherever possible.
Our team provides:
Proactive skin integrity assessments
Individualised care plans
Regular repositioning support
Continuous monitoring and early detection
Education for clients and families
Our goal is simple: to protect skin, reduce preventable harm, and support comfort and dignity every day.
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