If your loved one is bedridden and unable to get up or move themselves, then you might believe that bedsores are just a common side effect. However, bedsores can be a huge sign of neglect that often goes unnoticed. When your loved one is in a nursing home, you want to assume they’re being cared for and taken care of. However, residents are sometimes neglected in nursing homes, leading to long-term health problems and exacerbating existing problems.
What are bedsores?
Bed sores are skin ulcers that begin to pop up when a part of the body is put under immense pressure over a long period of time. This constant pressure restricts blood flow, which causes damage to the tissue and nerve endings.
Nursing home bedsores can be reversed and prevented. But when the pressure isn’t alleviated, the tissue in that part of the body is essentially slowly being killed off. From there, the bed sore might become bruised, become tender to the touch or even grow into an open wound.
Who is at risk for bedsores?
Patients who are bedridden with limited mobility might develop bedsores on the underside of their legs or on their back. While bedsores are common for people who have limited mobility, they can and should be prevented.
If a patient is regularly being lifted off the bed for baths and physical exercise, the likelihood of bedsores forming can be reduced. A nursing home that is giving adequate care to patients will notice bedsores at the beginning stages and prevent it from getting worse.
However, if you notice that your loved one has severe bedsores, that could be a sign of neglect. It may be wise to reach out to a lawyer to discuss your options.
