Bedsores are not only painful, but they can also be dangerous when severe, leading to infection. For the elderly residing in nursing homes, bedsores are particularly concerning, as older people tend to have compromised immune systems. While bedsores are entirely preventable, they often develop in nursing home patients regardless as a result of negligence, or nursing home abuse.
What are bedsores?
Also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, bedsores are lesions on the body caused by excessive and prolonged pressure on the skin. This pressure is caused by a lack of movement, cutting off the blood supply to the skin. Bedsores are most common in these types of individuals, of which nursing home patients often fall into one of the categories.
- Bedridden
- Immobile
- Unconscious
Bedsores can be very dangerous when left untreated. In fact, bedsores can be dangerous enough to cause infection of not only the skin, but also the surrounding body.
- Tissues
- Bones
- Muscles
Preventing Bedsores
Bedsores do not occur in facilities where the patients receive a good standard of care. Bedsores are preventable through frequent movement and shifting of pressure points on the skin.
As such, a person who struggles with immobility or who is bedridden should try to do the following to help avoid developing bedsores.
- Lifting oneself up and moving positions as much as possible (or having a nurse do this for you)
- Use a specialty wheelchair
- Use pressure-alleviating cushions
- Rotate from side to side frequently
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The Symptoms of Bedsores
Bedsores develop in stages, with stage I being the least severe and stage IV being the most. If symptoms of early stages are spotted, action should be taken immediately to prevent further damage.
Early symptoms of bed sores include the following listed below.
- Red skin
- Skin feels warm to touch
- Blue or purple tint to skin
- Minor pain or discomfort at site
- Open sores
- Blisters/abrasions at affected area
- Discoloration of affected area
If any of the above symptoms is spotted, measures should be taken immediately because this is a sign of nursing home abuse.
Bedsores and Nursing Home Malpractice
When nursing home residents develop bedsores, it is often due to nursing home neglect or abuse. Both neglect and ill-treatment types of malpractice – if you or a loved one are the victims of either, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. You can read more about nursing home abuse and neglect—and how to report it—on our blog.
To file a medical malpractice lawsuit against a nursing home, call the attorneys at Cordisco & Saile LLC. We can help you to prove negligence and file your claim today. Dial 215-642-2335 to schedule your free case consultation.
