Hospital Recovery is Facilitated by Prevention of Pressure Ulcers in Older Adults

Pressure ulcers are areas of tissue damage caused by unrelieved pressure that results in ischemia. About 70% of pressure ulcers occur in adults who are older than 65 years of age; the most common sites are the sacrum and heels. The rate at which new ulcers develop in acute care settings varies from 0.4% to 38%, with a mean incidence of about 7%. Recovery in patients who have pressure ulcers is delayed, as demonstrated by an increased length of hospitalization and increased health care costs. This article addresses recovery in older adults who are at risk for the development of a pressure ulcer.