Some of the most horrific injuries nursing home residents can get are bedsores. What nursing homes don’t want you to know is that bedsores are easily preventable. Pressure ulcers are easier to prevent than they are to treat. We firmly believe that no person in a nursing home or long-term care facility should have to suffer with the pain and discomfort of bedsores. Facilities are required to turn and reposition residents to avoid bedsores developing. They are also supposed to check resident’s skin daily, ensure they are getting proper nutrition, and treat sores promptly.
Bedsores Are Preventable and Unacceptable
Bedsores are also known as “decubitus ulcers,” “pressure injuries,” and “pressure ulcers.” They are an area of dead skin that develops from soft tissue pressing against a bed or chair for a long period of time. The most common areas where bedsores develop are on the lower back and tailbone, hip bones, elbows, ankles, and knees.
Bedsore Classification
Bedsores and decubitus ulcers are usually classified by stage. The most severe stages are:
- Stage 3 Bedsore – Stage 3 bedsores are when the wound has no skin covering it and a deep crater is visible. When smaller bedsores are not treated daily and the resident isn’t repositioned to avoid more pressure, they develop into Stage 3.
- Stage 4 Bedsore – Stage 4 is the most severe form of bedsores. Stage 4 bedsores tend to be larger and deeper, sometimes even exposing muscle and bone. They often require surgeries and can lead to life-threatening infections.
Bedsores are Painful
There is no question that pressure sores, regardless of the age or health of the patient, are painful. Bedsores are dead tissue – in most cases, to be treated properly, this necrotic tissue must be removed. This process is known as “debridement” and it is often long and painful. Not only are the bedsores themselves painful, but usually the treatment is also painful.
Bedsores May Lead to Other Life-threatening Injuries
Pressure ulcers may also lead to other life-threatening injuries. Some of the complications that can develop from untreated or improperly treated pressure sores are:
- Sepsis – an infection that occurs when bacteria enters the bloodstream through broken skin. This condition progresses quickly and can lead to organ failure and death.
- Cellulitis – an acute skin infection that targets the skin’s connective tissue. It causes severe redness, swelling, and pain, and can lead to life-threatening infections in the body like sepsis and meningitis.
- Bone and joint infections – bedsores can lead to infections of the bones, including osteomyelitis or an infection of the joints.
Let us fight for you.
Bedsores are a form of elderly abuse. If you or a loved one is suffering from bedsores due to the care of a nursing home, or long-term care facility – DO NOT WAIT – call us for a free consultation. The time to act is now!