Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, are common in nursing homes and long-term-care facilities. Since the population is often sedentary, spending most of the day sitting or lying, staff must be vigilant to help prevent residents from getting these ulcers.
Though it can be relatively minor and appear quickly, bedsores can be deadly if not caught and treated immediately. For advanced ulcers, the treatment is painful, costly, and time consuming- and there’s no guarantee of success. Luckily, it is one of the most preventable and treatable conditions among those with restricted mobility.
Bedsores most often appear on areas of the body under pressure where little separates the bone and skin- the hips, back, elbow, ankles and heels, for example. Under federal law, facilities must check residents upon admission for sores and treat them, and make sure that those who enter without sores do not develop them. Prolonged pressure, moisture on the skin, malnutrition/dehydration, age and certain illnesses all heighten the risk of bedsores.
Unfortunately, even with regulations in place, residents of nursing homes may be neglected or abused, and even a condition as preventable as bedsores can cause significant pain or death. If you believe that a loved one may be the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, place call Scott Mullins, Injury Attorney today.