Nursing Home Abuse: Bed Sores
Bed Sores
Bed sores, or decubitus, are pressure ulcers and are one of the most common signs of possible nursing home neglect. It is the duty of staff in a nursing home facility or assisted living facility to re-position stationary patients at regular intervals to prevent bed sores. When this is not effectively and proactively done, bed sores form, which cause pain, can become infected, and can even result in death.
What are Bed Sores?
Bed sores are wounds on a patient’s body that are caused by long periods of pressure. They start as small cuts or scrapes and if discovered early, they can easily be treated. If they are ignored or overlooked, they can become very large and infected. At that point, they are extremely painful and can eat away the skin, tissue, and muscle, eventually affecting the bone.
Location of Bed Sores
Bed sores appear on the parts of the body that are in prolonged contact with their bed. These areas are:
- Back
- Shoulder blades
- Sacrum (base of the spine)
- Buttocks
- Elbows
- Feet
Bed Sore Treatment
Bed sores are a preventable condition. The pressure that causes them can be prevented by staff attentively re-positioning and adjusting patients at least every two hours. If bed sores do develop, appropriate care is essential. Proper nutrition and hygiene are necessary to help prevent them from becoming worse.
The Banks Law Group is well versed in the needs of our clients. Our team is dedicated to uncovering the truth and finding justice from those injured by the negligence of a caregiver. Don’t hesitate and wait, take control of your legal situation today!
Contact us directly at 844-815-9632 for your free in depth consultation.