Bed sores, or pressure ulcers, are a common problem in nursing homes. These painful and potentially dangerous wounds can develop when a person remains in one position for too long. While sometimes unavoidable, bed sores are often preventable with proper care. It is crucial to understand the common causes of bed sores in nursing homes and how they might indicate neglect.
Common causes of bed sores
Bed sores are typically caused by:
- Immobility: Residents who are bedridden or use wheelchairs are at high risk for developing bed sores due to prolonged pressure on specific body parts.
- Poor nutrition: Inadequate nutrition can weaken the skin and slow healing, making residents more susceptible to bed sores.
- Moisture: Prolonged exposure to moisture, whether from perspiration, incontinence, or other bodily fluids, can weaken the skin’s integrity, increasing its susceptibility to injury.
- Lack of regular repositioning: Failure to change a resident’s position frequently can lead to prolonged pressure on specific areas of the body.
Understanding the primary factors contributing to bed sores’ development is crucial for prevention and early intervention.
How bed sores may indicate neglect
Bed sores may develop or worsen when nursing home staff fail to provide adequate care. This neglect may manifest in the following ways:
- Insufficient staffing leading to infrequent repositioning of residents
- Failure to maintain proper hygiene and keep residents clean and dry
- Inadequate nutrition and hydration
- Lack of proper skin assessments and preventive measures
While not all bed sores result from neglect, they could be a red flag for substandard care.
What you can do
If you have a loved one in a nursing home who has developed bed sores, it is essential to understand your rights and options. Consider seeking legal advice. An attorney could provide guidance on whether the bed sores might result from negligence and advise you on potential next steps.