Nursing Home Bedsores And Pressure Sores
Elderly people who live in nursing homes are susceptible to the development of bedsores. Also known as pressure sores, these injuries are caused primarily by limited mobility. The staff of nursing homes have a responsibility to provide their patients with proper care to prevent the development of bedsores.
About Pressure Sores
Pressure sores develop when a person is unable to move for an extended period of time. They are commonly termed as “bedsores” because people who spend a lot of time in bed (due to an injury or illness) are most at risk for developing pressure sores.
There are four stages of pressure sore development. At Stage I, the affected skin may be red and itchy. As the sores develop, underlying tissue becomes damaged and the injuries appear more like a blister or crater in the skin. At Stage 4, infections can develop and bones and muscles may be exposed.
How Nursing Home Staff Can Prevent Bedsores
Although bedridden people are already at risk for pressure sore development, there are several things that nursing home caregivers can do to prevent these injuries. Bedsores are preventable with proper care, especially through frequent repositioning and movement of a patient.
Pressure sore development can be prevented or minimized with:
To treat existing bedsores, a patient may require surgery, medication, or other forms of treatment. If a nursing home staff member fails to administer treatment, or fails to transfer a patient to another facility where they can receive the proper care, they neglect their duty of care to the patient.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
A person who develops bedsores while living in an elder care facility could qualify for a nursing home abuse and neglect case.
If your loved one has developed a bed more, be sure to take photographs to document the size and appearance of the wound. Also, be sure to ask the nursing or medical professional to tell you the exact Stage of the sore.
People who work in nursing homes have a responsibility to provide their patients with the best care possible. Pressure sores are preventable with the proper care, and workers who fail to offer that care directly contribute to the harm of patients.
Brown & Barron, LLC represents the victims of nursing home abuse and neglect and their families. If you or a loved one was injured or developed an illness in a nursing home due to the mistreatment of staff, reach out to our legal team today.
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