Caregiver Checklist: Preventing Wounds in Older Adults
A practical, printable tool for families, care teams, and assisted living staff
DAILY CHECKS
- ☐ Inspect skin (heels, hips, tailbone, elbows, shoulders)
- ☐ Look for redness, swelling, blisters, or open areas
- ☐ Check for moisture from sweat, urine, or stool
- ☐ Ensure clean, dry linens and clothing
- ☐ Confirm proper positioning in bed or chair
MOBILITY & POSITIONING
- ☐ Reposition every 1–2 hours in bed
- ☐ Shift weight every 15 minutes when seated
- ☐ Use pillows or wedges to offload pressure
- ☐ Avoid dragging skin during transfers
- ☐ Encourage safe walking or movement as tolerated
NUTRITION & HYDRATION
- ☐ Provide adequate protein (lean meats, eggs, dairy, legumes)
- ☐ Include vitamin‑rich foods (A, C, zinc)
- ☐ Encourage regular hydration
- ☐ Monitor for signs of malnutrition
MOISTURE & INCONTINENCE MANAGEMENT
- ☐ Clean skin promptly after incontinence
- ☐ Apply barrier creams as needed
- ☐ Use breathable briefs or pads
- ☐ Keep skin folds dry
DIABETES & CHRONIC CONDITION MANAGEMENT
- ☐ Monitor blood sugar regularly
- ☐ Inspect feet daily
- ☐ Ensure proper footwear
- ☐ Follow podiatry recommendations
- ☐ Track circulation issues (cold feet, color changes)
WHEN TO CALL A CLINICIAN
- ☐ Wound is warm, red, or swollen
- ☐ Drainage increases or smells foul
- ☐ Pain worsens
- ☐ Fever or chills develop
- ☐ Wound is not improving within 48–72 hours
HOW CAREPATROL SUPPORTS YOU
- ☐ Helps identify communities with strong wound‑care programs
- ☐ Reviews staffing, training, and clinical oversight
- ☐ Ensures mobility, nutrition, and chronic disease support
- ☐ Advocates for proactive prevention and early intervention
- ☐ Provides guidance during transitions after surgery or hospitalization
Aging well means healing well — and no family should navigate this alone.
Read our Wound Care Blog
Paula Sotir | 410-844-0800