Nursing home residents count on the staff members to care for them in the appropriate manner. The needs they have can vary greatly, so it’s critical for these facilities to establish and follow a proper care plan.
Some residents have mobility challenges that make it difficult or impossible for them to move around like they need to. If they can’t move on their own and the nursing home staff members aren’t moving them, there’s a chance that bedsores may occur.
Cause of bedsores
Bedsores, which are also known as pressure ulcers, are caused when the bony areas of the body are in contact with surfaces. That contact causes the skin and other soft tissues to degrade in such a way that an open sore develops.
This type of injury doesn’t occur quickly. Instead, they take time to develop. They can occur from a person remaining in a position for long periods of time. In some cases, improper transfers, including those into wheelchairs or other seating options, can lead to bedsores because of shearing friction.
Pressure ulcers can worsen without proper treatment. Fresh ulcers are superficial, but they can creep down to the bone and lead to significant tissue death. Infections, loss of limbs or digits and even death are possible when a patient has a bedsore.
Nursing home residents who are injured because of the neglect or abuse at the hands of the staff members should get immediate medical attention. They may also opt to pursue a compensation claim against the nursing home, but the time is limited by state law. Working with someone familiar with these matters may be beneficial for these victims.