What do family members and caregivers need to know about pressure sores? - Mary Zeigler, MS

They need to know that pressure sores have to be prevented.  Otherwise, the patient is going to suffer, as well as the family, tremendously.  They may have to become bed-bound; it could be a huge financial burden; they may not be able to go to school, or go to their job, it’s going to have a very negative impact on the patient’s life.  And the more serious the pressure sore is, usually the longer it’s going to take to heal.  In addition, a pressure sore can kill.  Over 60,000 people a year die from the complications of pressure sores.