Frequent Bed Sores in Nursing Home Residents Could Be a Sign Something Is Not Right

 Posted on January 15, 2020 in Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse

Deciding to place a disabled or elderly loved one in a nursing home can be an extremely difficult decision to make. On one hand, you want your loved one to be able to maintain as much independence as possible, but on the other hand, you want to ensure that he or she is safe. When the loved one can no longer complete daily living tasks and look out or his or her own wellbeing, a nursing home may be your only option. While many nursing home staff are hard-working, compassionate caretakers, instances of nursing home neglect and abuse do happen. One indicator that a nursing home resident is not being adequately cared for is reoccurring bedsores.

Causes of Bed Sores

Bed sores, also called pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are wounds caused by long periods of pressure on body parts. The symptoms of bed sores start out mild and then become increasingly noticeable. The skin will first appear discolored or take on a “waxy” appearance or firm texture. If the pressure to the body part is not relieved, the skin can become much more damaged and develop into a painful open wound. Bed sores that are not treated are prone to serious infection. Pressure ulcers are most likely to occur the buttocks, back, hips, and ankles. Bed sores are especially common in individuals who have decreased mobility. Spending long periods of time laying down in bed or sitting in a wheelchair can cause bed sores to develop. For this reason, nursing home staff are trained to help residents with limited mobility periodically move around or change positions.  

Negligence Can Lead to Worsening Bed Sores

Nursing home staff should be fully aware of the dangers that bed sores present to residents. They should help prevent bed sores by keeping the resident clean and dry and frequently repositioning him or her. If a bed sore starts to develop, nursing home staff should adequately treat the sore so that it does not worsen. This can include more frequent repositioning, medications, and wound care. When nursing home workers do not take these steps, the resident can be in danger of developing a potentially life-threatening infection. If you have a loved one in a nursing home and he or she is frequently developing bed sores, this could be a sign that he or she is not receiving adequate care from nursing home staff.

Contact Rockford Nursing Home Negligence Attorney

Nursing home facilities that do not provide the care residents need and deserve should be held accountable for their actions. However, proving nursing home negligence can be challenging. If your loved one has suffered at the hands of negligent nursing home staff, contact an experienced Winnebago County personal injury lawyer. Call Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Injury Law, at 815-215-7561 and schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case.

Source:

https://www.healthline.com/health/pressure-ulcer