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Bedsores are a sign of long-term neglect in nursing homes

On Behalf of | Jun 18, 2021 | Long-term Care Facility Neglect |

Bedsores or pressure ulcers are essentially synonymous with nursing home life. Those with limited mobility are at much higher risk than the average person of developing bedsores.

What starts as an irritated, inflamed spot on the skin can eventually cause open wounds that go all the way into the muscle. Bedsores are the results of the pressure of someone’s body weight constantly pushing against certain parts of the body.

They are most common in places where a person’s body contacts a bed or chair. The back of the head, the back of the shoulders, under the buttocks, the back of the needs and even the back of the heels can be places where bedsores eventually develop. Despite their strong correlation with nursing homes, they are not an inevitable part of growing older. They are instead often a warning sign of inadequate care.

Nursing home workers can prevent most bedsores from occurring

The development of bedsores is a known complication of reduced mobility or prolonged bed rest. Nursing home staff should recognize the risk and actively seek to protect residents from pressure ulcers.

Frequently changing someone’s position is important. Staff can help someone roll over or move from a seated position to a reclined one. They may also need to provide supports to limit the pressure on certain body parts. Additionally, staff should watch for the development of pressure ulcers and intervene in the earliest stages of their development.

If pressure ulcers go untreated, they could lead to life-threatening infections. Understanding that bedsores are often a sign of neglect can help you determine if you need to take action to protect your loved one.

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