Nursing homes offer the skilled care the elderly need. Most homes, and the staff who work in them, are dedicated professionals and provide excellent care to their residents.
Even so, it’s not uncommon for people in nursing homes to get bed sores. How can you tell if a bed sore is due to your loved one’s physical decline or due to neglect?
The connection between bed sores and abuse
Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue. They often develop on bony parts of the body, like the hips, tailbone, heels and shoulders. Bedsores can range in severity from mild skin redness to deep, infected sores that can go all the way to the bone. The elderly are more vulnerable to bed sores due to limited mobility, thinner skin and chronic conditions, such as diabetes.
Not every bedsore is a sign of abuse, but there are red flags to look for that could indicate your loved one is being neglected, such as:
- They are not being repositioned regularly
- Their nutritional needs aren’t being addressed
- There is a lack of attention to skin hygiene
- There is dried food on their clothes, face and the seat of their wheelchair
- They have dirty fingernails
- The bedsore continues to worsen
Not only are the bedsores painful, but if left untreated, they could lead to serious infection or sepsis.
If you believe the bedsores are part of a bigger issue or you notice other signs of abuse, immediate action is required. Document the evidence and discuss your concerns with the director of nursing or the facility administrator. Ensure that your loved one receives medical attention as soon as possible.
If the facility fails to address the issue, consider moving your loved one to a different facility. Contact the California Department of Public Health and the Department of Aging. You may also have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Speak with a legal representative about your situation. They can review the evidence and guide you through the best course of action.
