Caring for a loved one with limited mobility or chronic wounds can feel overwhelming, but having the right supplies on hand can make a difference. Whether you’re preventing pressure ulcers (bedsores) or managing an existing wound, proper tools and products help ensure effective care and faster healing.

Here’s a caregiver’s must-have checklist for wound prevention and care at home.

1. Pressure Relief & Positioning Supplies

Frequent repositioning is crucial for non-ambulatory patients to prevent pressure ulcers. Caregivers should have:

  • Foam wedges and pillows – Help relieve pressure on key areas (heels, sacrum, hips).
  • Slide sheets or transfer boards – Reduce friction when turning or moving a patient.
  • Bed trapeze bar – Allows patients with some upper body strength to assist with repositioning.

Check our guide to: The Best Way To Prevent Pressure Ulcers.

A regular mattress isn’t enough to prevent bedsores. Consider:

  • Pressure-relief mattresses (air, foam, or gel) – Redistribute weight and reduce pressure points. Your Restore First Health wound care provider can help you determine if your loved one qualifies for a medical grade low air loss mattress for your loved one to promote wound healing.
  • Gel or foam wheelchair cushions – Essential for patients sitting for long hours in a wheelchair.
  • Heel protectors – Reduce pressure on the heels, a common site for ulcers.

2. Skin Protection & Hygiene Products

Keeping the skin clean and hydrated prevents breakdown. Use:

  • No-rinse cleansing foam or wipes – Gentle, pH-balanced options for bedridden patients.
  • Hypoallergenic moisturizer – Prevents dryness, which makes skin more prone to breakdown.
  • Zinc based barrier cream ointment– Helps prevent rashes and skin irritation from moisture, reduces maceration and skin breakdown due to incontinence.

Incontinence & Moisture Control

Excess moisture weakens the skin, increasing the risk of wounds. Protect against this with:

  • Waterproof bed pads – Absorb leaks and keep skin dry.
  • Minimize use of adult briefs for bedbound patients as briefs can accelerate skin breakdown by holding fluid close to the skin. Instead opt for use of absorbent pads that can be changed regularly to reduce the risk of moisture-related skin breakdown.
  • Skin protectant ointments (zinc oxide, petroleum jelly) – Forms a barrier to prevent skin damage.

3. Wound Dressing & Treatment Essentials

For patients with existing wounds, having proper dressing supplies is key to preventing infection and promoting healing.

Basic Wound Care Supplies

  • Hand sanitizer, soap and water, and gloves – Prevents the spread of bacteria
  • Sterile saline or wound cleanser – For gentle cleansing without damaging healthy tissue.
  • Sterile gauze pads – Essential for covering and protecting wounds.
  • Non-stick dressings – Prevents painful sticking to open wounds.
  • Silicone based medical tape or adhesive dressings – Secure bandages without causing skin damage.
  • Scissors and tweezers – For trimming dressings and handling medical supplies.

4. Monitoring The Wound

Monitoring a patient’s wound is essential. Caregivers should have:

  • Disposable gloves – For clean and sterile dressing changes.
  • Thermometer – To check for signs of infection (fever).
  • Blood sugar monitor – Essential for diabetic wound patients.

Read more: Warning Signs a Wound may be Infected

5. First Aid Supplies

Always keep these on hand:

  • Antiseptic solution (iodine, hydrogen peroxide, or chlorhexidine) – For cleaning wounds when needed.
  • Antibiotic ointment – Helps prevent minor wound infections.
  • Instant cold packs – Reduces swelling and inflammation.

6. Nutrition & Hydration Support

Nutrition plays a major role in wound healing. Make sure your loved one gets:

  • High-protein shakes or supplements – Protein helps build new tissue.
  • Electrolyte drinks – Prevents dehydration, which slows healing.
  • Vitamin C and Zinc supplements – Support immune function and skin repair.

Check out: Protein’s Role in Healing Wounds

Need expert wound care? Schedule an appointment with Restore First Health today!

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Bowers, S., & Franco, E. (2020). Chronic Wounds: Evaluation and Management. American Family Physician, 101(3), 159–166. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/0201/p159.html

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2019). Bedsores. John Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bedsores

National Clinical Guideline Centre (UK). (2014, April). Repositioning. Nih.gov; National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (UK). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK333122/

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