Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing Home Neglect: Bedsores

Also known as decubitus ulcers or pressure sores, bedsores are a serious medical condition. Bedsores most commonly occur in nursing home residents and hospital patients. Often a result of nursing home neglect, bedsores result from extended pressure on a body part that has a bony prominence and thin skin covering. Painful pressure sores typically develop on the shoulder blades, heels, elbows and tailbone.

If your loved one is exhibiting bed sores or decubitus ulcers, he or she may be experiencing nursing home neglect. Fill out our free case evaluation form to speak to a nursing home abuse attorney today.

Causes of Bedsores in Nursing Home Residents

Bedsores are often the result of nursing home neglect. When a staff member fails to turn a nursing home resident routinely, pressure sores can form. Other factors that contribute to the development of bedsores include:

• Moisture from unchanged adult diapers and wet sheets
• Malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Immobility

To prevent bedsores, the resident must be repositioned regularly. Residents that cannot move on their own should be turned with the help of a nursing home staff member every two hours.

Nursing home residents who suffer from decubitus ulcers can experience great pain and even die. In one instance, a nursing home resident in Pennsylvania suffered from a deep pressure sore that penetrated her internal organs. Unfortunately, the woman eventually died.

Risk Factors for Bedsores

Not only can bedsores be prevented, they can be easily cured should they develop. Nevertheless, approximately 25% of nursing home residents will experience pressure sores at some point during their stay. Because nursing home residents have a greater chance of developing bedsores, staff members should take extra caution when caring for these individuals. Those susceptible to pressure sores include:

• Residents aged 75 or older
• Those who cannot feed themselves
• Residents who cannot reposition themselves, due to physical limitations or the use of restraints
• Individuals who do not understand the need to turn or reposition in bed
• Underweight residents
• Individuals with dry skin
• Residents who are incontinent or have decreased mental ability
• Residents with serious medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer and multiple sclerosis

Federal law requires that the nursing home workers must prevent the development of bedsores unless the resident's medical condition proves that decubitus ulcers were unavoidable. However, in many cases, bedsores are avoidable and the reason for their development is often nursing home neglect. In addition, nursing home staff members must, under law, prevent the progression of any pressure sores present at the time of entry to the facility.

If your loved one has developed pressure sores, decubitus ulcers or bedsores in a nursing home, he or she may be a victim of nursing home neglect. Speak with our nursing home abuse attorneys today to learn how you can recover compensation for your loved one's pain and suffering.