How often should patients and residents be re-positioned?

Repositioning patients and residents is essential for preventing pressure ulcers, promoting circulation, and ensuring overall comfort and wellbeing. The standard recommendation for repositioning is every 2 hours. This timeframe allows for adequate relief of pressure on vulnerable areas of the body, particularly for those who are immobile or have limited mobility.

By adhering to the every 2 hours guideline, caregivers can effectively mitigate the risk of skin breakdown and related complications that can arise from prolonged pressure on one area. Frequent repositioning also aids in improving respiratory function and can enhance mobility by preventing stiffness. Therefore, regular intervals of every 2 hours strike a balance between providing care and allowing patients periods of rest in various positions.