Bedsores are a common problem in Virginia nursing homes, and they can be a sign of neglect or abuse. If you have a loved one who is in a nursing home, it is important to be aware of the signs of bedsores and to take action if you see them.
What are bedsores?
Bedsores are pressure ulcers that develop when someone is confined to a bed or chair for a long period of time. They can occur on any part of the body, but they are most common on the back, buttocks, hips, and heels.
Pressure ulcers form when the skin and underlying tissue are compressed between a bone and an external surface, such as a bed or wheelchair. This can damage the skin and underlying tissue and cause a sore to develop.
What’s the connection between bedsores and nursing home neglect?
Bedsores are often a sign that someone is not being properly cared for in a nursing home. Nursing homes have a responsibility to ensure that residents are adequately turned and shifted so that pressure ulcers do not develop. If you see signs of bedsores on your loved ones, it may be an indication that they are not receiving the care they need and deserve.
How can you address this form of neglect?
If you believe that your loved one is not being properly cared for in a nursing home, you should speak with the staff. If the staff does not address your concerns, you may want to report the nursing home to the appropriate authorities. In Virginia, you can report nursing home neglect to the Virginia Department of Social Services.
You can also file a lawsuit against the nursing home if you believe that your loved one has developed bedsores as a result of neglect or abuse. This can be a difficult decision, but it may be necessary to ensure that your loved one receives the care they need and deserve. You may be able to recover damages for the pain and suffering that your loved one has endured as well as any medical expenses you incurred.