Bedsores are among the serious medical conditions that people commonly associate with advanced age. Frequently, older adults with limited mobility are at risk of developing bedsores or pressure ulcers. Spending most of the day in bed or reclining in a specific chair puts consistent pressure on the same parts of the body. That pressure can eventually compromise body tissues, starting with the skin.
Bedsores can be painful and medically dangerous for older adults. The families of those living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities need to understand the three facts below about bedsores to better advocate for their loved ones.
Bedsores are preventable
Some people are more likely than others to develop bedsores. Factors including how active an older adult is and what underlying medical conditions they have can contribute to the risk of bedsore development. Workers at nursing homes can theoretically identify those who may be more vulnerable and can be more proactive about helping prevent bedsores. Cushioning, regular movement and even the physical rotation of those who are unable to get out of bed can help prevent bedsores from developing.
Bedsores worsen over time
Support professionals caring for vulnerable adults should routinely check them for signs of bedsore development. What starts as a red, inflamed patch of skin can eventually become a deep wound. There are multiple stages of bedsore development, but bedsores that receive proper attention should not progress past the first or second stage in most cases. Later-stage bedsore development is often indicative of inadequate care at a facility.
Bedsores can cause dangerous infections
Some people are dismissive of bedsores because they assume they are simply uncomfortable or unsightly. However, they can be downright dangerous. Older adults may develop serious infections once a bedsore breaks the skin. If not identified and treated in a timely fashion, the infection that begins in a bedsore can become systemic and spread throughout the body. People may require tissue removal and hospitalization to treat severe infections that began because of bedsores.
Bedsores can drastically increase short-term medical costs and the long-term care costs of providing support for vulnerable older adults. They also affect an older adult’s quality of life. Families may need to react assertively when infections or late-stage bedsores affect a family member. Filing a nursing home negligence lawsuit can help families cover increased care costs and demand accountability from facilities that let a loved one suffer.