A pressure ulcer (sometimes called a bed sore or pressure sore) is when your skin and underlying tissue get damaged by unrelieved pressure causing a painful sore.
Pressure ulcers are the most common cause of harm, particularly in the frail elderly but you don't have to be old to get one. In most cases, they can be prevented by good basic care.
React to Red Skin is a campaign across health and social care that trains carers to recognise people at risk and to take steps to prevent pressure ulcers from developing. The programme recognises care homes, nursing homes and domiciliary care agencies that have demonstrated that they have all the necessary steps in place to care effectively for residents and minimise the risk of pressure ulcers developing.
These steps include:
- 75% of staff have completed the React to Red Skin training
- The home/ care agency uses simple trigger tools to identify people at risk
- 75% of staff have been trained to lift and move people safely and reduce the risk of skin damage
The React to Red Skin award is valid for 1 year and then the home/care agency must reapply; this ensures that the home keeps up the good practice.
To find out which care providers have been awarded the React to Red Skin accreditation look for the symbol displayed beside their details in the Care and Support Directory or ask when speaking to a care provider if they have accreditation and look for or ask to see the accreditation certificate. Always remember to check when it was awarded to make sure that it is still valid.
Find out more on the React to Red Skin website.