Bedsores, which are also known as decubitus ulcers, develop for a few different reasons, but none should happen in a nursing home. Patients in these facilities should be receiving care throughout the day. Those who cannot move or who have difficulty moving on their own are at a higher risk of developing bedsores. That means that the staff should be aware and take steps to prevent them from developing.
Bedsores are caused from prolonged pressure on one part of the skin. This limits the blood flow, so the skin and surrounding tissues can’t get the oxygen or nutrients needed. The area can die, with the tissue necrotizing. But well before that happens, a sore develops.
Bedsores, in their earliest stages, may be nothing more than red, itchy areas of skin. However, they can become bad enough for the skin to split open and expose deep tissues or bones. Severe decubitus ulcers can lead to infection, sepsis, and, in some cases, death.
Who is at risk of developing decubitus ulcers?
The people most likely to develop pressure ulcers are those who have a hard time moving on their own. People with paralysis, for example, may sit in a position for a long time without realizing that they have pain from a developing ulcer.
Bedsores shouldn’t occur if people are receiving good care in a nursing home. If your loved one develops a bedsore, it may be time to look into your legal options to seek the financial support you need for their treatment. They may also need to be moved to a new facility to receive better care. That’s something to discuss with your attorney and your loved one’s medical provider.