Pressure ulcers: Decreasing the risk for older adults

Pressure ulcers are common among the frail elderly. Reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers requires vigilance on the part of an entire interdisciplinary team; however, gerontology nurses in particular must know how to intervene and assist in maintaining tissue integrity for older adults who are at risk. This article discusses various factors that place individuals at risk for pressure ulceration. Ways to address factors that place patients at particularly high risk for pressure damage are also suggested.