Placing a loved one in a nursing home is a difficult choice that many people face. It requires trust that these facilities will provide the elderly in their care with attention and compassion.
That trust is shaken when residents who are immobile, fragile or unable to communicate their needs develop bedsores (also known as pressure ulcers). But are these bed sores just a symptom of declining health, or are they a sign of nursing home neglect?
How do bedsores develop?
Bedsores are injuries that develop on the skin and the underlying tissue due to prolonged pressure on that area. They usually form on bony regions with less fatty tissue, such as the heels, hips, tailbone and elbows. Residents who are bedridden, need a wheelchair or have limited mobility have the highest risk of developing these painful wounds.
Pressure ulcers are classified by stages:
Stage 1: This is an early warning sign of skin issues. The skin is intact, but red and warm to the touch.
Stage 2: The top layer of skin may be broken. The area is painful and swollen, and a clear or yellowish liquid may be visible.
Stage 3: By this stage, a deep wound extends into the fatty tissue. It may have a foul odor and is at risk of developing an infection.
Stage 4: The tissue is so damaged that the underlying tendon, muscle or bone may suffer destruction. A stage 4 wound may be an indicator of serious neglect.
Bedsores are often preventable by regularly repositioning residents to relieve pressure and by keeping the skin clean, dry and moisturized. Proper nutrition and hydration are also key to prevention. Regularly monitoring the resident’s skin condition can help ensure prompt attention to the early signs of skin breakdown.
While not every bedsore is a sign of neglect, they can occur because staff failed to provide adequate care to the resident. Severe or worsening sores often suggest understaffing, inadequate training or failure to follow an established treatment care plan.
When bedsores are left untreated, they can lead to serious complications, such as:
- Severe infections
- Sepsis
- Hospitalization
- Chronic pain
- Death
If you notice pressure ulcers on a loved one, it’s crucial to take action. Document your concerns and address them with the nursing home staff and administration. If they fail to respond, you need to file a complaint with the Virginia Department of Health. You should also speak with a legal representative. They can review your case and determine if the facility failed to meet its obligations in caring for your loved one. Not only can you seek justice for your loved one, but you can also prevent future harm to other residents in their care.
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