How do pressure sores heal?

Healing needs two things at once: the right wound care, and taking the pressure off the area. That is why we look at positioning, cushions and turning schedules as well as the dressing.

Should I rub the red area?

No. Massaging reddened skin over a bony area can make the damage worse. Tell us about any red area that does not fade so it can be assessed.

What mattress or cushion should we use?

That depends on your situation and your physician’s recommendations. We will review what you have and discuss sensible options — some are covered by insurance and some are not.

Can a pressure wound be treated at home?

Many can, when a physician orders home care. Deep wounds, or wounds with serious infection, may need hospital or specialist treatment first. We coordinate with your provider about the right setting for your care.

Service

Pressure wounds and bedsores: home wound care

A pressure injury (also called a pressure ulcer, pressure sore or bedsore) is damage to skin and tissue caused by staying in one position too long. Home wound care focuses on healing the wound and taking pressure off the area.

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What it is

Pressure injuries usually develop over bony areas — the tailbone, heels, hips, elbows and shoulder blades — when a person sits or lies in the same position for long periods, or when medical equipment presses on the skin.

They can start as a reddened area that does not fade and get worse if nothing changes. Preventing further pressure is as important as the dressing itself, which is why we look at positioning, cushions, mattresses and how often you are being turned.

Who this is for

People who spend most of the day in bed or in a chair
Adults with limited mobility after a hospital stay, surgery or a long illness
Anyone with a wound on the tailbone, heel, hip, elbow or shoulder blade
Family caregivers who need help with repositioning and skin checks

What a visit looks like

Wound assessmentWe measure the wound, note its stage and look for signs of infection in and around it.
Cleaning and dressingThe wound is cleaned and dressed with the products your physician ordered.
Pressure relief checkWe look at your mattress, cushion and the way you are positioned, and suggest practical changes.
Skin checkWe check other bony areas for early redness so a new spot does not go unnoticed.
Teaching and reportingWe show your caregiver how to help with repositioning, and report progress to your provider.

Questions about pressure injuries

Does pressure injuries care at home need a doctor's order?

Yes. In Florida, home wound care requires an order from a physician or another licensed provider who is treating you. We ask for that order before the first visit.

Clinically reviewed by [ADD REVIEWER NAME + CREDENTIALS, e.g. J. Smith, RN, BSN] on [ADD REVIEW DATE]

Where we provide this care

This service is available across our three-county service area in Northwest Florida.

Other wound care services

Many patients need more than one type of wound care. These are the other wounds we treat at home.

Ready to start? Call us or send a referral.

We answer questions about coverage and physician orders before you commit to anything.

Call 850-940-4325 Refer a Patient

Phone: 850-940-4325
Fax referrals: 833-636-4600
Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Leave a message after hours and we will call you back.