A Waterlow Score is an estimated risk for the development of a pressure sore in your service user.

Firstly, to complete a Waterlow you first must have your service user’s weight and height recorded on their Care Plan as this then works out your service user’s BMI for you.

When you first click on Waterlow you will see this screen with the BMI already selected for you

You will then need to select your service user’s Skin Type.

Healthy = No concerns

Tissue Paper = Thin Skin

Dry = Dry Skin

Oedematous = Build-up of fluid

Clammy/Pyrexia = Raised body temperature

Grade 1 = A wound to the skin

Grade 2 – 4 = Pressure Ulcer

You will then need to select your service user’s Mobility.

Fully = Independent/ No concerns

Restless = unsettled changes positions

Apathetic = Shows no interest or enthusiasm

Restricted = Restricted movements

Bedbound = Unable to get out of bed

Chairbound = Unable to move from the chair

You will then need to select if your service user has lost weight.

If you select Yes you will then need to select Weight Loss amount.

You will then need to select Continence.

You then have the option of completing the Special Risks.