Are Bedsores a Sign of Potential Nursing Home Neglect?

 Posted on December 18, 2023 in Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are a painful and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when a person remains in the same position for extended periods. While bedsores can occur for various reasons, their presence in nursing home residents often raises concerns about potential abuse and neglect. If your loved one is suffering from bedsores in their nursing home, it may be worth contacting a lawyer in Illinois. Contact one today to protect your loved one’s rights

Understanding Bedsores

Bedsores are skin injuries that occur due to prolonged pressure on specific body areas, typically over bony regions like hips, heels, and tailbone. They can develop when a person is immobile or confined to a bed or wheelchair for extended periods of time without proper repositioning, hygiene, or adequate medical care. Bedsores can range from mild, superficial wounds to severe, deep tissue damage that exposes underlying muscles and bones. If left untreated, they can lead to severe complications, including infections, sepsis, and even death

Significance in Nursing Home Settings

In nursing homes, bedsores are often signs of lackluster care, neglect, or even abuse. Bedridden residents or those who have limited mobility rely on nursing home staff for assistance in repositioning, regular hygiene, and proper wound care. Failure to provide these crucial services can result in the development and worsening of bedsores. The presence of bedsores suggests a lack of attention, neglect, or intentional harm, raising concerns about the overall quality of care provided in the facility

Prevention and Accountability 

To prevent bedsores and ensure accountability, nursing homes must implement comprehensive care plans that include regular repositioning, proper nutrition, hydration, and diligent wound care. Of course, staffing levels remain a major concern in many nursing homes. Understaffing can inadvertently lead to residents not getting the care and attention they need and deserve. As a result, patients can develop bedsores. Regular monitoring and documentation of residents’ skin conditions are crucial to promptly identifying and addressing potential issues. Families and loved ones should also be able to promptly identify and address potential issues

Contact a Hyde Park, IL Nursing Home Neglect Attorney

No nursing home resident deserves to develop bedsores. If your loved one is suffering from bedsores, it is time to take action. Contact the distinguished Chicago, IL nursing home neglect lawyer with Kadzai Law Group, LLC. Call 312-229-0050 for a free consultation. Get the legal guidance you need today