Prolonged pressure on the skin can impede blood flow, leading to injuries to the skin and underlying tissue. These injuries are called bedsores or pressure ulcers. Bedsores often develop on the skin around the bony areas of the body, such as the hips, ankles, heels, buttocks and tailbone. Unfortunately, when nursing home staff abuse, neglect or fail to provide adequate care to their residents, they are at a higher risk of developing bedsores.
Bedsores are preventable
Bedsores are prevalent in nursing home residents due to their limited ability to change positions independently. Additionally, those with poor nutrition, dehydration or medical conditions that affect blood flow are more susceptible. To prevent bedsores, nursing homes and caregivers should implement the following strategies:
- Regular repositioning: Change the president’s position at least every two hours to relieve pressure.
- Skin inspections: Check the skin daily for signs of pressure ulcers, especially on bony areas.
- Providing adequate nutrition and hydration: Ensure residents receive a balanced diet and enough fluids to maintain skin health.
- Practicing proper hygiene: Caregivers and nurses should keep the skin of residents clean and dry.
If a nursing home fails to take reasonable precautions and a resident develops bedsores, it may constitute negligence under Maryland’s laws. Under these laws, licensed nursing personnel and support staff must ensure that residents receive proper care to prevent pressure ulcers and deformities.
Why nursing homes are legally liable
A family places their loved one in a nursing home to receive professional care and attention. They pay the price to give their elderly loved one a better quality of life. A nursing home is legally liable because, by accepting the resident, it assumes a duty to provide a standard of care and prevent such injuries from happening. Once the nursing home staff violates that duty, they can be liable for the resident’s injuries, including bedsores.
