Pressure injuries: Resident and family engagement

Pressure injuries (also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores) are a serious concern in senior living communities. This guide is designed to empower residents and their families to actively participate in prevention and treatment efforts. By fostering collaboration and providing accessible educational resources, facilities can enhance care quality and outcomes.

Resident and family involvement in care planning

Engaging residents and their families in care planning helps ensure that care is personalized and effective.

• Collaborative care plans: Involve residents and their families in the development and review of the resident’s person-centered care plans.
• Family participation: Encourage families to attend care planning meetings and contribute to prevention and treatment strategies.
• Preference documentation: Record specific preferences in the resident’s person-centered care plan so the preferences can be shared with all staff.

Education and awareness

Knowledge is a powerful tool in preventing pressure injuries. Providing clear, accessible education helps families understand their role in care.

• Risk and prevention education: Educate residents and families about risk factors, early signs, prevention strategies, and treatment.
• Resource distribution: Provide informational materials and resources to that explain the importance of proactive care and family involvement.

Support groups

Support groups and peer education foster community and shared learning.

• Family support groups: Organize support groups where families can share experiences, learn from each other, and receive guidance from healthcare professionals.
• Peer-to-peer learning: Senior living communities can foster connection by encouraging families with successful prevention strategies to share practical tips and personal insights with other families.

Educational materials

Provide a variety of materials to accommodate different learning styles and preferences.

• Brochures: Explain in detail what pressure ulcers are, identify risk factors, prevention strategies, and treatment options.
• Fact sheets: Highlight key points about prevention and care for quick reference.
• Care guides: Comprehensive guides on how to care for someone with a pressure ulcer, including step-by-step instructions for wound care.
• Videos: Demonstrate proper techniques for repositioning, skin care, and wound dressing.
• Online resources: Link to reputable websites and portals where families can find additional information and support.

Communication strategies

Transparent and consistent communication builds trust and improves care coordination.

• Scheduled meetings: Hold regular care conferences to discuss the resident’s progress and any updates to the care plan.
• Phone updates: Provide routine phone calls to keep families informed and address concerns.
• Email summaries: Sending detailed updates to keep families informed about the resident care and any changes.
• Family portal: Use secure online platforms for real-time access to care plans and staff communication.
• In-person visits: Encourage face-to-face discussions and observations of care practices.

Encourage families to ask questions and express concerns about the resident care. Their input is vital to resident well-being.

Feedback mechanisms

Listening to families helps improve care and education efforts.

• Surveys and questionnaires: Collect feedback from families on their understanding, satisfaction and unmet needs.
• Open forums: Host forums where families can voice their concerns, ask questions, and receive immediate answers from staff.

By actively involving residents and families in pressure injury prevention and care, senior living communities can foster a culture of safety, dignity, and collaboration. These efforts not only improve outcomes but also strengthen trust and transparency between staff and families.

Sources

• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. "Resident and Family Engagement in Long-Term Care." AHRQ, 2023. https://www.ahrq.gov/hai/quality/tools/cauti-ltc/modules/implementation/long-term-modules/module5/mod5-slides.html
• Nursing Center. "Patient Teaching for Older Adults and Families in the Long-Term Care Setting." https://www.nursingcenter.com/journalarticle?Article_ID=102980