Preventive Measures for Pressures Ulcers in Nursing Homes : A Literature Review

Abstract

Pressure ulcers remain a significant and persistent challenge in long‑term geriatric care, particularly among older adults with reduced mobility and multiple comorbidities. Their prevention is essential not only for improving residents’ quality of life but also for reducing healthcare costs and resource burdens. This literature review synthesized current evidence on preventive strategies for pressure ulcers in nursing home settings, drawing on international guidelines, and recent empirical studies published between 2020 and 2025. The review identified key preventive components, including structured risk assessment, nursing staff education, repositioning practices, nutritional support, skin care, and the use of appropriate support surfaces. Findings indicated that multicomponent interventions were consistently more effective than single preventive measures, although the heterogeneity of study designs and limited high‑quality randomized controlled trials restricted the generalizability of results. The review highlighted the need for context‑specific, evidence‑based prevention frameworks and calls for further research to clarify the independent effects of individual interventions and to strengthen long‑term implementation strategies in nursing homes.