A bed sore is a type of painful skin sore that can develop when someone is left sitting or lying in the same position for a long period of time. This type of injury is not serious in the early stages, however it quickly worsens if it is left untreated. Sadly, many nursing home residents suffer from these injuries, since their mobility is limited. If your loved one is diagnosed with a bed sore, it’s important to understand whether or not this injury was caused by nursing home abuse or neglect.
How Abuse or Neglect Can Lead to Bed Sores
Many nursing home residents are either confined to a wheelchair or a bed due to their physical condition. These residents are at a higher risk of developing bed sores since their movement is very restricted. It is the staff’s responsibility to make sure these patients are properly taken care of to prevent bed sores.
Patients should be repositioned frequently so they are not left in the same position long enough to develop a bed sore. It’s also important for the nursing home staff to keep residents’ skin clean and dry since bed sores are more likely to develop when the skin is wet. Finally, pillows should be used to alleviate pressure on areas that are prone to bed sores and to separate parts of the body that press against each other. For instance, a pillow can be put between the legs of a resident that is lying on his side to ensure his legs do not rub against each other. A pillow can also be put underneath a resident’s tailbone, since bed sores frequently develop in this area.
Unfortunately, if a nursing home facility fails to take these preventative measures, bed sores can develop as a result of the staff’s neglect.
How to Spot A Bed Sore
Don’t assume that your loved one will tell you when they are developing a bed sore. If you are concerned about bed sores, ask your loved one how often someone comes in to reposition and care for her. If someone is not coming in frequently, ask your loved one if she is experiencing any pain or discomfort. Examine any areas that are pressed against the bed or wheelchair and look for changes in the skin’s color or texture. Even if a sore has not formed, these are the early signs that a bed sore is starting to develop. If a sore has already developed, it should be fairly easy to spot. Help your loved one seek medical treatment for the sore, and then get in touch with an attorney right away.
Do you think your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home? If so, let the personal injury attorneys at Reisch Law Firm help. We will fight to hold the negligent parties accountable and recover compensation on behalf of your loved one. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
