Are Pressure Ulcers and Bedsores a Sign of Nursing Home Neglect?

Are Pressure Ulcers and Bedsores a Sign of Nursing Home Neglect?

Nursing home neglect is a heart-wrenching reality for many families who entrust the care of their loved ones to long-term care facilities. The emergence of pressure ulcers and bedsores often raises a red flag that not all is well. Unfortunately, not everyone understands what ulcers and bedsores are and how detrimental they truly are. In this post, Roy Injury Law aims to demystify ulcers and bedsores and shed light on their role in nursing home neglect.

Understanding Pressure Ulcers and Bedsores

Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or pressure sores, are injuries that occur when skin and tissue are damaged from prolonged pressure. They typically develop in areas of the body with bony prominences, such as hips, heels, elbows, or tailbone. Bedsores can also develop due to friction or shearing, where the skin is dragged across another surface. Patients who are unable to move or have limited mobility are at the highest risk. Other factors include poor nutrition, incontinence, and age-related skin changes.

You may not think that bedsores are that critical, but the reality is that bedsores lead to over 60,000 deaths each year. What starts as a small red mark can quickly progress to an open wound, exposing muscle and bone. If left untreated, bedsores can cause severe infections such as sepsis or cellulitis, which can be life-threatening, especially to elderly or immunocompromised individuals.

The Connection to Nursing Home Neglect

While pressure ulcers and bedsores are not uncommon in individuals who have limited mobility or who are bedridden, they should not occur in a nursing home setting if proper care is provided. These conditions can be prevented by regularly repositioning or turning patients, keeping them clean and dry, providing adequate nutrition and hydration, and using specialized beds or cushions to relieve pressure. Failure to do so can be considered neglectful on the part of nursing home staff.

Signs and Symptoms of Nursing Home Neglect

If your loved one is in a nursing home, it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of neglect. Some common indicators include untreated bedsores, poor hygiene, weight loss or malnutrition, unexplained injuries or falls, and changes in behavior such as depression or withdrawal. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s crucial to take action. Document your concerns, report them to the nursing home management, and seek assistance from a qualified attorney experienced in neglect cases.

Holding Nursing Homes Accountable

When you entrust a nursing home with the care of your loved one, you have every right to expect a standard of care that is both compassionate and competent. If that trust is broken and neglect leads to pressure ulcers, bedsores, or other preventable conditions, it is crucial to remember that you have legal rights. You can take action against the facility to seek justice for your loved one and prevent such negligence from occurring to others. Legal proceedings can result in compensation for the injured party and encourage nursing homes to elevate their standards of care, ensuring that all residents receive the attention and respect they deserve.

Moving Forward: Prevention and Care Strategies

Regular monitoring and preventative care are the best ways to prevent pressure ulcers and bedsores. Nursing home staff should be regularly checking for signs of skin breakdown, repositioning patients every two hours, providing adequate nutrition and hydration, and using appropriate medical devices to relieve pressure. 

Families of nursing home residents should collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure these preventive strategies are in place. Regular communication and visits to your loved one can help you stay informed about their care.

Advocate for Your Loved Ones Today

Remember, you are your loved one’s most crucial advocate. While the signs of neglect might be subtle, they should never be ignored. With due diligence, continued awareness, and the right support, we can all help eliminate neglect from our care systems.

Roy Injury Law offers the guidance and empathy to handle such sensitive cases. If you are struggling with the possibility of neglect, we encourage you to reach out for a consultation. Your next step could make all the difference for your loved one.