Common Causes of Bedsores in Nursing Homes

Nursing home residents can suffer a number of different types of injuries in nursing homes. Of these, bed sores are some of the most common. In fact, one in ten nursing home residents will suffer from bed sores, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers, are very painful and can cause extensive tissue damage and septic shock. Sometimes, these sores are even fatal. Below, our Tampa bed sores lawyers outline some of the most common causes of these injuries.

Lack of Mobility

 Perhaps the most common cause of bed sores in nursing homes is a lack of mobility for residents. When residents cannot move on their own, they are often left in wheelchairs and beds for long periods of time. This places pressure on certain parts of the body, particularly the elbows, heels, hips, shoulder blades, and back of the head. Nursing home staff members are expected to reposition immobile residents regularly to prevent bed sores from developing.

Dehydration 

Dehydration is closely linked to bed sore infections in nursing home facilities. This is due to the fact that dehydration causes the skin to become even frailer and less resistant to friction and pressure, which also restricts blood flow. All of these factors can result in bed sores.

Malnutrition 

When the body is malnourished, it does not have the vitamins and nutrients it needs. This can weaken the protective skin layer in the body, and interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself when there is an infection.

Diabetes 

Diabetes increases the risk of bed sores due to nerve damage, impaired circulation, and a weakened immune system. This hinders the body’s ability to resist infections and heal properly. Diabetes also increases the risk of hospital stays and surgeries. If a nursing home resident has diabetes, they are approximately 1.5 more times likely to develop a dangerous bed sore.

Obesity 

When a person is obese, their increased weight puts more pressure on areas of the body with reduced blood flow. The increased pressure can put a resident at a greater risk of developing bed sores.

Urinary Incontinence

 Urinary incontinence exposes the skin to conditions that increase the risk of infection. Prolonged contact with the skin and urine causes moisture-related skin damage, which makes the skin more vulnerable to friction and pressure. This can lead to ulcer formation.

Shear 

Shear happens when two surfaces move in opposite directions. When skin is loose, as it often is in aging people, the risk of shear is even greater. This is one of the most common causes of bedsores in the elderly.

Call Our Bed Sores Lawyers in Tampa for a Consultation 

If your loved one has suffered bed sores in a nursing home, you may have legal options to help them claim compensation. At Kohn Law, our Tampa bed sores lawyers can help you through the process and ensure you receive the full and fair settlement you are entitled to. Call us now at 813-428-8504 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorneys and to get more information.

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Source: nursing.duke.edu/news/looking-beneath-skin-prevent-nursing-home-pressure-ulcers#:~:text=The CDC also reports that, serious infection and even death.