Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, form when nursing home patients sit or lie in the same position for an extended period. They can be evidence of neglect, as the staff should help patients roll over or change positions to prevent these ulcers from occurring.
But not all bedsores are the same. There are four general stages, which are related to the severity of the injury.
Stage one
In the first stage, the skin just looks irritated. It may become pink or red and feel slightly tender or warm, but there are no open wounds or obvious damage.
Stage two
In the second stage, a shallow wound begins to develop. It will still look pink or red, but it can start to resemble a crater going deeper into the skin. It may lead to blisters, abrasions and other clear signs of damage.
Stage three
In stage three, the bedsore begins to move down into the fatty layers of the skin, known as the hypodermis. These bedsores can become very painful as they extend through multiple layers of the skin.
Stage four
These are the most serious bedsores, extending through the skin entirely. This can expose tendons, ligaments and muscles in deeper layers. In the worst cases, even bones may be exposed. These bedsores are extremely painful and can become infected, posing a severe risk of fatal complications.
Taking appropriate action
If you have a loved one in a nursing home and they have developed bedsores, it can be a traumatic experience. Be sure you are well aware of all the legal options available to you at this time.
