What to Do if a Facility Blames Your Loved One for Their Own Bedsore

Families place trust in the nursing home staff who oversee their loved one’s golden years. You trust that your loved ones will be taken care of, treated fairly, and given treatment when necessary. Above all, you trust that the communication between them and your family is honest and accurate, and reflects the truthful reality of what goes on behind facility doors. 

Hearing that your loved one is to blame for a medical condition can lead to questioning that trust. When you know it doesn’t make sense, and the facility doubles down, families can find themselves in a complicated web of liability.

This article breaks down what to do when a nursing home claims your loved one is to blame for their medical condition, what responsibility facilities still carry, and how families can respond in a way that protects both their loved one and the truth of what happened.

If the Facility Says Your Loved One Is to Blame

What began as a conversation about a potentially serious condition has changed into an accusation. Families can find themselves off balance in the immediate moments after hearing the news, but there are a few things to do that can help uncover the truth quickly.

Begin by asking for written materials that show what care was provided:

• Turning and repositioning schedules
• Skin assessment notes
• Wound care documentation
• Incident reports or internal notes related to the sore

The written records of your loved one’s care are a window into the past. They provide details on the care provided, when, and in what capacity, including any important nuances, like whether a resident refused care.

Having this information on hand can help your family better understand the situation and, if there are inaccuracies, uncover red flags. 

Why Facilities Often Shift Blame After a Bedsore Appears

A facility will rarely say outright that it’s at fault. Instead, they’ll explain a bedsore by pointing to the resident’s condition or behavior, such as limited mobility, confusion, or illness, as the sole reason the bedsore developed. Keep in mind, though, that this stance leaves out key details about what level of care was provided, when, etc.

The “blame game” often starts after a wound has worsened or become harder to explain. At that point, the staff’s attention may turn away from staffing levels, monitoring practices, or delayed responses, and toward characteristics of the resident that cannot be changed. It may also happen when a facility realizes it didn’t provide the proper care and begins to cover up its wrongdoing.

The Excuses Facility’s Use to Blame Residents

Families tend to hear the same explanations. One of these doesn’t necessarily mean an assessment is inaccurate or incomplete, but it’s a flag that the situation is worth looking into further. 

“They refused to reposition or accept care.”

Facilities often describe a situation as a “refusal” when a resident is confused, uncomfortable, or unable to clearly communicate. They might not be refusing, but unable to understand what’s happening.

Despite these barriers, staff are still expected to note what happened, try different ways to provide care, and keep a close watch on the resident’s skin. A resident resisting care does not mean the facility can stop providing it.

“They were noncompliant.”

Noncompliance is a broad term that’s used as “a catch-all.” It does not explain how often care was attempted, whether risks were escalated to a physician, or whether staff adjusted their approach. It also does not excuse a lack of monitoring once skin breakdown begins, making it too vague for a family to accept as truth.

“Their condition made bedsores unavoidable.”

Certain medical conditions increase bedsore risk, but a higher risk usually requires more frequent checks, not fewer. Facilities are expected to recognize vulnerability and respond with increased vigilance, not resignation.

“They have fragile skin or poor circulation.”

Skin fragility and circulation issues are common among elderly or ill residents. These factors explain why prevention matters, not why it can be ignored. When these risks are present, early signs of breakdown should trigger faster intervention, not delayed action.

When the Explanation Doesn’t Add Up

You know your loved one best. You might have heard one explanation, maybe more, but if they don’t make sense, it’s within your rights to push for more answers. 

Ask for records, review them carefully, and compare them to what you’ve heard from facility staff. If there are holes or what they’re saying doesn’t add up, it’s a red flag that something’s going on behind the scenes, and a deeper, legal investigation might be needed to fully uncover the truth.

When that investigation’s needed, Morgan & Morgan is there to help. For over 35 years, our team has fought For the People when nursing homes and other large organizations abuse their power, hurting innocent people. Your family deserves answers, and America’s Largest Personal Injury Firm is equipped to get them.

Get started today for no upfront costs with a free, no-risk case evaluation. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a facility legally blame a resident for their own bedsore?

Facilities may point to a resident’s condition or behavior, but that does not automatically relieve them of responsibility. Whether blame is appropriate depends on the care provided and how risks were managed.

Does refusing care excuse a facility from responsibility?

Not necessarily. Facilities are still expected to document refusals, adjust care plans, and monitor skin closely when a resident is at risk.

Can bedsores be a sign of neglect or inadequate care?

In some cases, yes. When a bedsore worsens without consistent monitoring, repositioning, or timely treatment, it may raise concerns about whether appropriate care was provided.

Are bedsores always preventable?

Not all bedsores are preventable, but many serious pressure injuries are considered avoidable with consistent monitoring, repositioning, and timely care.

What records should I ask for if a bedsore worsens?

You can request turning schedules, skin assessments, wound care notes, physician orders, and any incident reports related to the injury.