How often should a resident who is bedbound be repositioned?

Repositioning a bedbound resident every two hours is recommended to help prevent pressure ulcers and promote circulation. When individuals are unable to move independently, they are at increased risk for skin breakdown due to prolonged pressure on certain areas of the body.

By repositioning every two hours, caregivers can alleviate pressure on bony prominences, such as the heels, sacrum, and hips, thereby reducing the risk of developing sores. This practice also helps maintain skin integrity, promotes comfort, and contributes to overall health by enhancing blood flow to the tissues.

Inadequate repositioning, such as doing it every four hours or once a day, may not adequately mitigate these risks, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes for the resident. This emphasizes the importance of adhering to the recommended frequency of repositioning to ensure optimal care for bedbound individuals.