Pressure ulcers occur with some frequency in the elderly, debilitated popul
ation in long-term-care facilities. Pressure ulcers cause morbidity and mor
tality and, by virtue of breaking the integumentary barrier, predispose to
skin and soft-tissue infections. The latter often are deep and require leng
thy medical and surgical therapy. Prevention depends on avoidance of pressu
re, as well as providing adequate nutrition and meticulous skin care.