Patient and Family Guidance and Education

Not only must the nurse or caregiver understand the patients condition, but the patient and family
must also be educated about pressure ulcers; their cause, treatment, and prevention.  

Assessment
Evaluate the ability and availability of care taken at home, and assess areas
which assistance is needed by using the following scale (Reproduced from Reference #1).

1. Judgment/Understanding 4. Sufficient, no problem 3. Fair but not confident 2. Uncertain 1. Inadequate 2. Family Relationship 4. Good 3. Some problems, but able to take care of patient 2. Contact avoided unless necessary. 1. Disapproving to patient 3. Health Condition 4. Adequate to take care of patient 3. Some health problems, but patient care is possible with rest 2. Health problems present, and patient care is impossible. 1. Hospitalization is possible, and the patient may be left alone.

4. Ability to Execute 4. Execute voluntarily 3. Execute with instructions 2. Negative attitude 1. Incapable 5. Willingness 3. Willing 2. Moderately willing 1. Unwilling 6. Time to Take Care of Patient 5. Fully devoted to patient care 4. Inadequately engaged in patient care due to work, house work, and looking after children. 3. No time for patient care on some days of the week or during some periods of the day. 2. No time for patient care during the daytime. 1. Absolutely no time for patient care.

Pressure ulcers, which are visible lesions, often occur in areas not observable by the patient. Also, if the patient experiences numbness in the area of the lesion may feel no pain or discomfort, thus may be unaware of that such pressure ulcers exist.
The family can help by observing the lesion on a regular basis and may find that taking pictures of such lesions to be helpful to the visiting nurse or physician.