The decision of which device to use is based on the location and severity of the wound. Most insurance's will cover any needed device, material, or equipment necessary to prevent and treat decubitus ulcers. Prevention is the most humane and cost effective approach to care. This is accomplished by good patient care often being provided by family members and non-licensed hired caregivers. Professional medical personnel generally provide only a minimum amount of medical assistance.
Prevention is achieved by diligent care.
In long-term care facilities the rate of decubitus ulcer development is higher for a variety of reasons. Due to staffing shortages, medical funding cuts and an array of issues, most long-term care facilities are chronically understaffed. This results in patients not being turned, cleaned and fed as often as the ideal standard of nursing would dictate. It is known that almost all decubitus ulcers are preventable. However the reality of long-term care concludes that if a patient does not have massive weight loss, chronic infections, or wounds that do not heal in two weeks then that individual is receiving a reasonable standard of care.