Can nursing homes prevent bedsore development?

On Behalf of | Oct 16, 2024 | Personal Injury |

Bedsores (also known as pressure ulcers) are painful injuries that many people associate with advanced age. As the mobility of an older adult declines, they may spend more of their time in bed or reclining in a comfortable chair. The more time they stay in the same position, the greater their chances of developing bedsores.

Many people view such wounds as an inevitable part of growing old and becoming more sedentary. However, older adults who receive proper care can often avoid bedsores or at least obtain care that prevents them from worsening after they initially develop. In most cases, proper care in a nursing home can prevent bedsores from developing and minimize the risk of them progressing beyond initial stages of development.

Bedsores are a well-known concern

Workers at nursing homes are generally aware that bedsores are a health issue that could affect anyone in their care. In the early stages of development, bedsores are nothing more than inflamed, painful sections of skin. The first stage of development is when the skin becomes red and irritated because of the constant pressure of the body on a specific location.

The buttocks, the back of the heels, the back of the head and the shoulder blades are among the top locations where bedsores begin to form. Nursing home workers caring for those with limited mobility typically need to encourage as much movement as possible in older residents.

Those who get up and walk around with staff support regularly can avoid severe bedsore development. Regular physical rotation of someone who cannot leave their bed every day is equally important. Even providing different types of cushioning can limit bedsore formation in many cases.

Nursing home workers should be aware of which adults have compromised mobility and make a point of regularly inspecting them for the early signs of bedsore development. If they see indicators of bedsores, they should increase the support that they provide and offer treatment for the existing sores.

With a proactive approach, nursing home professionals can protect older adults from bedsores that cause extensive damage to nerves and musculature. They can also prevent existing wounds from becoming infected.

In scenarios where older adults suffer significant medical setbacks because of bedsore development, what they have experienced may constitute nursing home neglect, which is an actionable form of medical malpractice in some cases. Taking action on behalf of a vulnerable family member can potentially lead to compensation for the suffering that they have endured and might result in a better standard of care for all residents going forward.