Prevalence of pressure ulcers in an assisted residence for the elderly
Díaz Pizarro J.M., García Sánchez A.S., Núñez Ballesteros A., Osorio Díaz R.

SUMMARY

   We made a survey and collected data from 283 people distributed in the different welfare areas of an assisted residence for the elderly in order to analyse the prevalence of pressure ulcers as well as their functional and psychic conditions of the users to develop a descriptive report of their current situations.

   A prevalence percentage of 13,47 was found, the sores in their heels being the most spread ones and within people at the average age of 82,93.

   Besides, there were analyzed factors that increase the risk of PUs appearance with special attention to the presence of incontinence, use of nutritional supplements and the prevention measures as position changes and no injure mattresses.

KEY WORDS

    Pressure sores, prevalence, socio-sanitary centres, prevention measures, Barthel Index, Norton Index.

Vol. 18 nº3-2007