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Pressure Sores can be a Sign of Nursing Home Neglect

Pressure sores, also known as bed sores or pressure ulcers, if left untreated can quickly become very serious and even deadly. For those who are bed-ridden, such as some nursing home patients, pressure sores can be a serious issue and must be attended to quickly if they develop. Residents that develop bed sores might be the victims of nursing home neglect as the best treatment to avoid the condition is to be shifted every two hours.

As the term implies, pressure sores are caused by extended stress on a particular part of the body, particularly those areas where bone or cartilage is just under the skin. As explained on FamilyDoctor.org, when the blood flow to tissue is cut off for a certain period of time the tissue becomes damaged. For nursing home patients who are able to verbally communicate, the problem may be easily discovered and resolved, as the patient will likely sense some discomfort and can express this to staff even though the staff should still be checking patients regardless of complaints.

For those who are no longer able to speak for themselves the issue can be even more serious. It is imperative that nursing home staff consistently move residents and check for signs that pressure sores are forming. Early signs include skin discoloration (different skin tones will show different variations ranging from red to purple to just a darker version of the person's skin tone) and a feeling of warmth in the area.

As discussed further on FamilyDoctor.org, anyone who is confined to a bed or chair for extended periods of time is at risk for bed sores, but conditions such as diabetes and artery hardening increase risk because the blood supply is already reduced. Certain areas of the body are more likely to have sores develop on them because of their lack of fat between the skin and the bone underneath; these areas include heels, hips, elbows, spine, shoulder blades, backs, sides of knees and the back of the head. In addition to moving positions, good nutrition that is high in protein, iron and vitamins can help reduce the incidence of pressure sores and help with healing existing ones, as mentioned on Sci-Info-Pages.com. Nursing home staff needs to be well versed in preventing and treating pressure sores before they reach advanced stages and result in elder neglect.

Nursing home abuse is a serious issue that must be addressed to prevent further suffering. If you have a loved one who has been injured or who has died due to nursing home abuse, then you need to speak to a qualified attorney. We have an extensive background in this area and will review your case free of charge.

THE RASANSKY LAW FIRM
2525 McKinnon Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
CALL US AT
1-877-405-4313

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