4 Questions About Bedsores In Nursing Homes

Do you have a loved one that is in a nursing home, and they are experiencing an issue with bedsores? This is a form of nursing home abuse, and it is possible that you can take action on their behalf. Here is what you need to know about bedsores.

What Are Bedsores?

It's important to know what a bedsore is under the eyes of the law. A bedsore is when someone has damaged skin and tissue found below their skin, and the levels of bedsores can be categorized under one of several different levels. It can be as small as a slight would, or be so bad that the wound goes down to the bone. They are often referred to as pressure ulcers because of the way they form from pressure being put on a single spot of the body.

How Do Bedsores Form?

Bedsores can form because a person is lying in a single spot for too long. Even though they are laying in a bed, there is a need to turn and reposition someone that is bedridden to prevent the sores from happening. In addition to laying in the same place as a leading cause, malnutrition can also lead to an increase in bedsores. 

Are Bedsores Acceptable In Any Form?

Of the four stages of bedsores, know that stages 1 and 2 can be quite common with bedridden nursing home patients. However, it should never progress to the point where it reaches stages 3 or 4. This is a clear case of neglect of a loved one, which is due the nursing home facility not having the staff on hand to take care of residents in this manner. Since residents need to be turned frequently during the day, it is easy for this part of their care to be neglected by poor staffing. 

What Do You Do If A Loved One Has Bedsores?

A nursing home facility should notify you if there is a change in your loved one's condition, which includes bedsores. However, it is still a good idea to look for bedsores when you visit in case you are not being notified. If you do find a bedsore, you'll need to talk to a nurse about what you found and why it was missed when caring for your loved one. 

If you have noticed bedsores that are very bad, it is worth reaching out to a lawyer that can help file a lawsuit on behalf of your loved one. If you need to change facilities or have surgery performed, these are costs that you shouldn't have to pay for.

Find a nursing home abuse lawyer in your area today.