Resources / Daily care
How nurses assess skin integrity at home
What a skin integrity check involves, who is at higher risk of skin breakdown and pressure injuries, and simple daily checks families and carers can do.
What skin integrity means
Skin integrity means skin that is whole, healthy and able to protect the body. Moisture from incontinence, pressure from sitting or lying, friction and poor nutrition can all break it down.
Who is at higher risk
- People with bladder or bowel incontinence
- People who spend long periods in a bed or wheelchair
- People with reduced sensation, such as after a spinal cord injury
- Older people with thin or fragile skin
- People with diabetes or poor circulation
What the nurse checks
- Skin colour, temperature and moisture, especially over bony areas like heels, hips and the tailbone
- Redness that doesn't fade when pressed, blisters, tears or open areas
- Signs of moisture damage from continence products
- Mobility, positioning, seating and mattress
- Nutrition, fluids and continence management
Nurses often use a recognised pressure injury risk tool alongside the physical check, then record findings so changes can be tracked over time.
Daily checks you can do
- Look at pressure areas every day, using a mirror if needed.
- Change wet or soiled products promptly and pat skin dry.
- Use a barrier cream if advised.
- Change position regularly.
- Contact a nurse or GP if redness lasts, or skin is broken, weeping or painful.
Getting a skin check
Our nurses provide skin integrity checks at home, often alongside a continence assessment or wound care. Read skin care basics for continence or send an enquiry.
Need personalised advice? A continence nurse assessment looks at your situation and gives you a written care plan.
Ready to take the next step?
Speak with our nurse-led continence team
Book a free, no-obligation assessment with our clinicians and we'll tailor a plan to your goals and NDIS funding.