Many adults worry about providing the medical care and attention their elderly parents need. Most often, they look to nursing homes for help. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for that trust to be misplaced.
Nursing home abuse and neglect is a nightmare scenario for numerous people across the nation. From medication errors to physical abuse, harm to elderly residents can come in many forms. One of the most common types of injuries, however, are bedsores.
What are bedsores?
Also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, bedsores are skin injuries that, if left untreated, can ultimately damage the underlying tissue. Bedsores can develop over hours or days and often impact skin that covers bony areas of the body. Elderly patients who are forced to remain in the same position for hours at a time are at risk for developing bedsores due to the continuous pressure against a single part of the body. Those who are bedridden or forced to remain in a chair for significant portions of the day are at the greatest risk for serious injury.
What can be done?
For those who cannot do it on their own, elderly patients rely on a nursing home staff to move them, turn them, and ensure they are remaining as mobile as possible. The single greatest factor in preventing bedsores is regular body repositioning, but there are numerous factors to focus on, including:
- Shifting weight frequently
- Proper hydration
- Exercise
- Special cushions or mattresses that were specifically designed to absorb pressure
If a nursing home staff fails to be attentive, your elderly loved ones can suffer great pain. Through the various stages of bedsore severity, the condition can damage the skin, fatty tissue, muscles and bones. In extreme cases, a patient might face infection, loss of muscle and amputation. If you fear a nursing home staff has been negligent, it is wise to discuss your situation with an experienced lawyer.
