What to Do When Your Loved One, in a Nursing Home, Has Bedsores
Bedsores are one of the most preventable problems facing nursing home residents. If they develop on your loved one, you could be facing a case of neglect—and neglect can result in serious pain, debilitating injuries and even death.
It’s not always to determine whether someone in a nursing home is a victim of neglect. Before you try to determine whether your loved one is a victim, it’s important to know what you’re looking for.
What Causes Bedsores?
Bedsores, which are also called pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are caused by the pressure between a person’s body and the surface where they lie or sit.
Many other factors contribute to bedsores, including:
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Immobility
- Skin moisture from unchanged underclothing or wet sheets
Nursing home staff needs to reposition your loved one frequently; if they do this, bedsores are very unlikely to occur.
Who’s at Risk for Bedsores?
Some people are more likely than others are to develop bedsores, such as those who are:
- Age 75 or older
- Being treated for diabetes, cancer and other diseases
- Immobile or partially immobile
- Incontinent (can’t control their bladders or bowels)
- Underweight
Bedsores can be fatal, so it’s important that you make sure your loved one is getting the preventive care he or she deserves. If bedsores are already present, you may need to evaluate your family member’s level of care by talking to the nursing home supervisor.
If You Discover Pressure Sores on Your Loved One
Bedsores are a medical emergency, so if you find that your loved one is suffering from them, get them medical attention immediately.
In some cases, nursing home staff is directly responsible for bedsores. Whether they have been negligent or your loved one’s lack of care was due to understaffing at the care facility, you may be able to hold them accountable for your loved one’s pain and suffering.
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