Infected pressure ulcers in the long-term-care facility

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.