Bedsores May Be a Sign of Abuse or Neglect in a Nursing Home. Learn to Recognize the Signs!

Some injuries are unavoidable, others are preventable. Bed sores, also commonly known as pressure ulcers, are among the most preventable injuries that can result in legal recourse.Nursing home where elderly patient is holding their loved one's hand These sores can be incredibly painful and are often a sign of neglect in nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities.

Bed sores develop in areas that sustain high amounts of pressure for extended periods of time. Therefore, they are frequently present in individuals who are stationary in a hospital bed. Pressurized tissues operate with restricted blood flow causing tissues to become damaged and die, eventually developing into a pressure ulcer. If undetected or untreated, bedsore severity will escalate and could even lead to death. Prevention and early detection are key in diminishing the impact of bedsores.

4 Tips for Preventing Bedsores in Nursing Homes

Some suggested precautions for the prevention of bedsores in senior care facilities include:

  • Changing the patient’s position every few hours
  • Increase patient’s blood flow by helping him or her move
  • Regular check-ups in common bedsore sites
  • Consistent hygiene maintenance

5 Warning Signs of Bedsores to Watch For

Knowing the signs can help ensure early detection. These are some of the early symptoms of pressure ulcers:

  • Changes in skin color or texture
  • Swelling
  • Pus
  • Skin temperature fluctuation
  • Tenderness

The 4 Stages of Bedsore Severity

If bed sores have developed, immediate action must be taken in order to avoid increased severity and future complications. The severity of bed sores is determined by stages. There are four stages.

Stage 1: These are pressure ulcers in their mildest form. They cause redness but do not result in broken skin.

Stage 2: Stage two will be an open wound, but they will not be very deep.

Stage 3: By stage 3, the bed sore will be a crater on the epidermis revealing fat cells beneath the patient’s skin.

Stage 4: The most severe stage will make deep craters in affected areas exposing muscle and bone, leaving the patient at increased risk for infection.

Learn more about the 4 stages of bedsores, how to treat them, and how to tell if they may be linked to abuse or neglect here.

Bedsores May Indicate Neglect or Abuse. Contact Our Attorneys Today to Learn How We Can Help

Keller & Keller places great importance on the well-being of persons in these situations. In the past, we have represented individuals and families whose lives have been deeply affected by this form of abuse. Click here to read about some of the nursing home cases Keller & Keller has won.

 

Pressure ulcers are a sign of potential neglect in nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities. If left untreated, bedsores can become fatal. If you believe a loved one has been neglected call 1-800-253-5537 to consult with an experienced nursing home neglect attorney.

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