Bedsores in Nursing Homes: When is it Negligence?
When families place a loved one in a nursing home, they expect that person to be well cared for and attended to properly. Regrettably, some residents develop painful bedsores that could have been avoided with suitable care. In some cases, bedsores are a sign that the facility hasn’t lived up to its obligations. If you suspect that your family member’s bedsores were preventable, a California nursing home negligence lawyer can help you understand your rights.
What are bedsores?
Pressure ulcers, more commonly known as bedsores, are wounds that develop when pressure is applied for a long time, decreasing blood flow to the skin and underlying tissue. They often occur on parts of the body that are in contact with a bed or chair for a long time, such as the hips, heels, tailbone, shoulders, or elbows.
They may start out as simple skin irritation, but very quickly become severe. In severe bedsores, the sores can go deep into muscle and bone. They can cause a lot of pain and can cause serious infections.
Why are nursing home residents at higher risk?
Many of the residents in nursing homes have medical conditions or limitations that make them more susceptible to bedsores. Some residents cannot move around by themselves, and some are in bed or a wheelchair a lot of the time.
Ageing skin can also become thinner and more delicate. Certain health problems, such as diabetes or poor circulation, can increase the risk of skin breakdown. These challenges are common for many nursing home residents, so staff should be trained to recognise risk factors and take steps to prevent pressure injuries.
Can bedsores be prevented?
Many bedsores are preventable when residents get the right care. Prevention consists of changing the position of the resident often, keeping the skin clean and dry, good nutrition, and monitoring the condition of the resident.
Federal regulations require nursing homes participating in Medicare or Medicaid to help residents avoid preventable pressure ulcers and provide appropriate treatment when pressure ulcers develop. This facility evaluates residents for risk factors and develops care plans tailored to their needs.
Pressure injuries may develop in some residents, despite appropriate care, but many cases can be prevented by the implementation of accepted standards by facilities and adequate supervision.
When do bedsores suggest negligence?
A bedsore does not automatically mean a nursing home is negligent. However, there may be circumstances suggesting that a facility did not provide care properly.
For example, negligence may be demonstrated by staff not repositioning a resident as required, not responding to signs of skin breakdown, not following a care plan, not providing adequate nutrition or hydration, or waiting to obtain medical treatment after a pressure injury appeared.
Severe or advanced bedsores that should have been detected and treated earlier may also be an indication of negligence. In some cases, these problems may be compounded by understaffing, when carers simply do not have enough time to monitor residents properly.
If you believe that a facility failed to take reasonable steps to prevent or treat pressure injuries, a California nursing home negligence lawyer may be able to look into what happened.
What harm can bedsores cause?
Most people don’t realise how serious bedsores can be. Not only are they painful and uncomfortable, but they can also cause serious complications.
Open wounds can become infected. In more severe cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream or the bone around it. Some residents may need hospitalisation, surgery, or long-term medical treatment. In more elderly patients with poor health, these complications can be life-threatening.
The emotional impact can be just as huge. Residents who develop severe bedsores often experience anxiety, loss of dignity, and diminished quality of life.
What should families do if they suspect neglect?
If you suspect that your loved one has developed bedsores due to bad care, it is important to act fast. Note any visible injuries, take photos if applicable, and keep records of conversations with facility personnel. Medical records and care plans may also have important information on how the resident was treated.
An investigation could determine whether the facility followed required procedures and if the injury could have been avoided. If legal action becomes necessary, evidence gathered early can be useful.
A California nursing home negligence lawyer can review the facts and help determine if the nursing home may be liable for the injury suffered.
How can a lawyer help?
Most cases of nursing home neglect require a thorough review of medical records, facility policies, and witness statements. An attorney can determine whether the carers followed the accepted standards of care and whether the facility’s actions played a role in the resident’s injuries.
When your loved one develops bedsores that could have been prevented while living in a nursing home, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover compensation and hold the responsible parties accountable.
The Law Offices of David M. Jamieson helps families get justice when nursing homes don’t provide proper care. Call (209) 521-1269 or reach out online to talk to a California nursing home negligence lawyer to learn more about your legal options.