What you need to know about bed sores.

If your loved one suffers any kind of injury in a nursing home, then you should start asking questions. This is especially true if your loved one develops bedsores. These injuries, sometimes referred to as pressure ulcers, develop when pressure is applied to the skin over an excessive period. In the nursing home context, bedsores are often present when nursing staff fails to move or reposition a resident who has limited mobility.

Where do bedsores form?

Bedsores can appear on any part of the body that is subjected to this excessive pressure. However, they are most commonly found on the following parts of the body:

• Ankles

• Heels

• Tailbone

• Hips

• Shoulders

• Elbows

• Spine

So, be aware of your loved one’s condition and check these areas of their body to see if bedsores are developing. This is important because if caught early enough, bedsores can be successfully treated. If they’re left to fester and worsen, though, then they can lead to life-threatening complications.

Risk factors

A lack of mobility is the number one risk factor for bedsores. But other contributing factors may also be indicative of nursing home neglect. For example, malnutrition can cause the skin to lose its elasticity, thereby causing it to break more easily. So, as you’re assessing your loved one’s condition, make sure that you’re taking a comprehensive look at the care that he or she is receiving.

Holding negligent nursing homes accountable

Your loved one deserves nothing less than a level of care that keeps him or her safe. Yet, nursing home neglect and abuse are more common than most people realize. There are thousands of reports of abuse and neglect made each year. That’s why you should be diligent in ensuring that your loved one is protected.

If you suspect that your loved one has been harmed by negligent or abusive nursing home practices, then you can fight for accountability and compensation. To learn more about how to do that, consider discussing the matter with a legal team that you feel comfortable fighting on your loved one’s behalf.