As we age, our skin changes and becomes drier and thinner. For older adults, this can mean more bruising and skin tears.
Pressure ulcers (bed sores) can also regularly appear among nursing home residents. Still, sometimes, it can be difficult to determine if it’s part of a resident’s condition or a sign of neglect.
What are pressure ulcers?
In addition to the skin becoming more frail, other processes are occurring, such as losing muscle and fat. Pressure ulcers occur when the bony parts of the body, often the hips, heels and tailbone, experience reduced blood flow, and the skin begins to break down.
Pressure ulcers can occur in any nursing home and aren’t necessarily a sign of neglect. When you visit, it’s crucial to note if you notice any of the following issues:
- Your loved one isn’t being repositioned regularly. Residents who are immobile and unable to reposition themselves can quickly develop bed sores. Staff must move them every couple of hours.
- There is a lack of good hygiene and skin care. Elderly people must be kept clean and dry to avoid skin irritation.
- Facility staff ignored the warning signs. In the early stages, bed sores are treatable.
However, if nothing is done, they will continue to worsen. Untreated bed sores can lead to complications, such as infections and tissue damage. In severe cases, they can cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
Document the evidence if you believe your loved one’s bed sores are the result of the nursing home’s neglect. Take photographs of the bed sores, along with the conditions you observed. File a complaint with the nursing home administrator. If they fail to address your concerns, you may need to report the nursing home to New York State’s Department of Health.
You want to get the appropriate medical care for your loved one. Filing a personal injury lawsuit can help cover the medical expenses associated with their treatment.