People at any stage of life can potentially develop bedsores. Those who become immobilized due to injury or medical challenges are potentially at risk of pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers. Older adults frequently spend much of their time in bed or in a favorite chair.
Factors including a changing center of gravity, reduced bone density and declining strength may contribute to their largely sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, there is a strong association between advanced age and bedsore risk. People who have enough medical challenges to require the support of a nursing home facility are often particularly vulnerable to the development of bedsores.
While people may associate these painful injuries with advanced age, they are not an inevitable by-product of getting old. The professionals working in nursing homes can prevent bedsores and treat them so they do not become serious medical issues. Failing to do so may constitute nursing home negligence.
There are simple ways to address bedsores
The professionals working in nursing homes can help prevent bedsore formation by encouraging regular activity. They may need to get a patient out of bed or off of their favorite chair to walk for a while.
In scenarios where people truly cannot move independently, workers can make a point of regularly rotating them. Moving them from side to side can make a major difference by taking pressure off of certain body parts. Applying a variety of different cushions can also help prevent the development of bedsores. Proper cushioning can also take the pressure off of the location where a bedsore has already developed.
When nursing home professionals provide support with dressing or daily hygiene needs, they should check for the signs of bedsore development, including red, inflamed skin. They should note any bedsore concerns in patient documentation and establish a plan to prevent the sores from worsening.
Failure to perform these basic tasks can lead to adults developing painful bedsores that might eventually become open wounds. At that point, the resident is vulnerable to infection and other complications. Families frustrated by the medical expenses and suffering of a loved one may need to speak up about the negligent care standards that led to bedsore development.
Filing a nursing home negligence lawsuit can lead to appropriate financial compensation and better care standards at a facility. Those who understand that bedsores are often preventable can act as more effective advocates for their loved ones.