Bed Sores: A Sign of Nursing Home Abuse
California Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys That Care
Bedsores occur when there is constant pressure placed on a certain part of the body for too long. Also called “pressure ulcers” or “decubitus ulcers,” bedsores create sores on the body that, if left untreated, can be fatal. They are an entirely preventable occurrence if treated and monitored properly. In fact, if nursing home staff and nurses are vigilant and diligently reposition and check their patients, bedsores might not form in the first place. If you suspect that your loved one is being mistreated by their caretakers, contact our California elder abuse attorneys today!
What are bedsores and how do they denote signs of abuse?
Bedsores often occur when an individual is in one position for a prolonged period of time. Because our movement becomes limited and our bodies become weaker as we get older, bedsore are more a danger for the elderly than other groups. The patients that are constantly in bed or in a wheelchair should take particular care to avoid remaining in one position too long.
Experienced and effective nursing home staff know that patients in lateral positions for extended periods should be moved every two hours while patients remaining in sitting positions should be moved every 15 minutes. If not properly taken care of, the pressure will build and cause skin irritation, tissue damage, or worse.
Bedsores can cause:
- Severe pain
- Skin irritation and infection
- Sepsis
- Cellulitis
- Bone or joint infection
- Need for an amputation
- Cancer
- Death
It is imperative that nursing home staff take the time to ensure that their patients are receiving the best care possible.
Some actions they should take for their patients are:
- Repositioning
- Relieve pressure by using pillows
- Making sure the bedding is clean and dry
- Checking in on patients often
- If they notice lesions, they should treat it immediately
Do you suspect elder abuse? Call our law firm today!
If nurses or the nursing home staff fail to do these things, they are being negligent. Your loved one should not have to suffer this abuse. If you fear that they are being mistreated by individuals appointed to care for them, contact our California elder abuse attorney at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP today.
We can review your case and help you plan your next legal step! Call us today.
