Bed Sores are a Sign of Nursing Home Abuse
Too many people visit their loved ones in a nursing home and think it is normal when they see their family member has developed a bed sore. Bed sores are not normal. When a nursing home resident has developed one, it is likely a sign of nursing home abuse or neglect. Nursing home staff members have an obligation to ensure that bed sores do not develop, as they are extremely harmful to the health of the elderly. In some cases, they can even be fatal. If your loved one has developed bed sores inside a nursing home, it is important to speak to a nursing home abuse lawyer that can help.
The Responsibility of Nursing Homes in Regards to Bed Sores
Bed sores develop when a person has stayed in one position for too long. Inside of nursing homes, this is typically due to the fact that elderly individuals are confined to a bed or wheelchair. When a person remains in the same position for too long, the pressure of their weight reduces the blood supply to certain areas of the skin and the underlying tissue. If not treated, surrounding tissue can also decay, leaving an open wound.
To prevent bed sores, nursing home staff members must ensure they are repositioning elders when they remain in the same position for too long. When elders can move on their own, this may be through simply encouraging them to take a small walk. If the elder is immobile, nursing home staff members must reposition the elder to ensure bed sores do not develop.
In the event that a bed sore does develop, even with regular movement, nursing home staff members have an additional obligation to treat it promptly. If left untreated, bed sores can become extremely serious and damaging to the elder’s health. When staff members fail to prevent or treat bed sores, it is a sign of negligence for which the nursing home can be held liable.
Spotting Bed Sores
Bed sores are not always easy to spot on nursing home residents. Sometimes because the resident remains in the same place, they are lying on the sore so it is unseen. However, there are certain locations where bed sores are more common and it is helpful to look in these areas. They are as follows:
- Along the spine
- Along the tailbone
- On the shoulder blades
- On the hips
- On the heels
- On the elbows
These, and any other areas that are regularly under a great amount of pressure, are most likely to develop bed sores.
Call Our Florida Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers if You Spot Bed Sores
Bed sores may seem like minor injuries, but they are not. If you or your loved one has developed bed sores while in a nursing home, our Tampa nursing home abuse lawyers are here to help. At Kohn Law, we know how serious bedsores are, and will work tirelessly to help your family recover the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (813) 428-8504 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
