As many as 11% of nursing home residents in the United States will develop bed sores. You may wonder what causes bedsores in nursing homes, and if they are a sign of neglect. Jordan Law Center’s Greenville nursing home abuse lawyer explains.
Bedsores – What Are They and How Do They Form in Nursing Homes
Bed sores are the destruction of the skin because of too much pressure. The pressure on the skin is too much for too long, and the skin is damaged. The result is an open flesh wound.
Why are bedsores common in nursing homes?
Bedsores are common in nursing homes because people are, on average, less mobile than the general adult population. Other risk factors may also contribute to an elevated risk of bed sores including pre-existing medical conditions, thinner skin because of natural aging, and poor nutrition.
However, even with the elevated risk bedsores are preventable with proper care.
How Proper Care and Monitoring Can Prevent Bedsores
An article published in Am Fam Physician says that 95% of bed sores are preventable.
The consensus of this study is that proper preventative care and monitoring can prevent bedsores in most cases.
Proper care and monitoring can prevent bedsores in the following ways:
- Assessment – Patient risk factors can identify the likelihood of bedsores developing.
- Positioning – A person may need help changing positions frequently if they are unable to move on their own. If they can move on their own, they may benefit from reminders to change positions.
- Monitoring – Checking on the person regularly can identify developing bed sores before they become serious.
- Friction – Reducing friction on the elbows and heels can minimize skin damage.
- Cleaning – Regular cleaning of the skin can contribute to overall health.
- Dressings – When appropriate, dressings and barrier creams and reduce moisture.
- Infection prevention – Proper hygiene and facility cleanliness can prevent the spread of infection.
- Nutrition – Adequate nutrition and hydration can promote strong and resilient skin.
- Input – Asking the patient how they feel and if they are experiencing problems can assist with identifying areas of concern.
Position changes may need to occur as frequently as every couple of hours. The exact care plan should meet the needs of the individual patient.
Bed Sores as a Sign of Neglect and Abuse
Bed sores develop from inadequate medical care and attention, rather than from intentional harm to a patient. They are more likely to fall into the category of neglect than abuse because they indicate a lack of attention or care.
However, bed sores may also be a warning sign of abuse. If one form of maltreatment is occurring, there may be other types of nursing home abuse and neglect occurring.
How are bed sores in nursing homes neglected?
- Nursing homes have a legal duty to provide adequate care for their residents.
- Adequate care means preventing abuse and neglect.
- Inadequate medical care and a lack of attention to personal needs are two forms of neglect that may occur in a nursing home.
- When negligence occurs, it may be legal grounds for a victim to pursue compensation.
- Whether or not bed sores are the result of nursing home neglect depends on the individual circumstances.
Bed sores that develop in a nursing home may be a secondary result of a medical problem or condition that causes immobility. They may result from inadequate routine care. Either way, bed sores may be the result of nursing home neglect and may meet the legal definition of negligence.
The Long-Term Health Consequences of Bedsores and How Neglect Can Exacerbate Them
Bed sores cause short-term and long-term health concerns. In the short term, a person may experience pain and discomfort. If left untreated bedsores can also lead to infection, sepsis, and exposed bone. In extreme cases, they may even lead to death.
Reporting Bed Sores as a Sign of Abuse or Neglect
If you are concerned that someone in a nursing home is experiencing bedsores as a result of abuse or neglect, you have multiple options to report it. You may report your concerns to facility staff and medical care providers. If you begin with this, be sure to follow up to see that the concerns are addressed. Document the response, especially if it seems inadequate.
In addition, you may report your concerns to Adult Protective Services or seek assistance from the South Carolina Long Term Care Ombudsman.
Another way to address bedsores in a nursing home is through legal action. A victim may receive financial compensation for increased medical bills, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. If the neglect leads to the death of the victim, you may bring a wrongful death action. Taking legal action can hold the nursing home accountable, incentivizing them to make changes and prevent future incidents.
How a Greenville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help
A Greenville nursing home abuse lawyer can help you assess the situation and take legal action. We can seek compensation, handle the legal steps to investigate, pursue your case, and negotiate for fair compensation.
If you have concerns about bedsores as a sign of nursing home abuse and neglect, take the steps to protect the person’s safety. Then, contact us at Jordan Law Center.
Contact a Lawyer for Nursing Home Bed Sores
To talk to a lawyer for nursing home bed sores, call or message Jordan Law Center today.
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