Beds, chairs, cushions, heels and equipment checks

Pressure-relieving equipment helps only when it is the right equipment, in the right place, working properly and used as planned. NICE quality standards say people at high risk should be provided with pressure redistribution devices, and Welsh provider guidance also highlights that pressure-relieving equipment should be appropriate, in good working order and relevant to the risk assessment rating.

For carers, this means noticing ordinary but important details: whether the mattress is the one the resident is meant to have, whether a cushion is missing or flat, whether the resident has slid into a poor position, whether heels are pressed into the bed or footplate, and whether bedding, clothing, crumbs or objects are adding pressure.

Equipment and position checks carers should not ignore

• Beds and mattresses: check the right surface is in use and obvious faults are reported at once.
• Chairs and cushions: watch for long sitting times, slumping, bottoming out or missing cushions.
• Heels and feet: heels can break down quickly if left under pressure for long periods.
• Wheelchairs and footplates: position and fit matter if someone sits for long periods.
• Simple avoidable causes: creased sheets, hard objects, tubing and poor positioning can all add pressure.

Carers should not alter specialist mattress settings or improvise substitutes outside local policy and competence. Their job is to use approved equipment correctly, spot problems quickly and get help when the setup is not working.

Equipment protects skin only when staff notice when it is missing, faulty, poorly fitted or no longer enough for the resident's current needs.