Are Bed Sores Common in Nursing Homes?
Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers, are a very serious issue and they can even threaten the life of senior citizens. Bed sores often contribute to illnesses and other conditions that are associated with a lack of care, abuse, and neglect. If your loved one has developed bed sores in a nursing home, it may be a sign that something within the facility is not right. You should take action immediately and speak with the facility’s administrator about your concerns and then speak to a Tampa bedsore attorney who can help protect your loved one’s rights.
What are Bed Sores?
Bed sores are very serious injuries. They are also called pressure ulcers because they develop when a person’s body weight puts too much pressure on an area of skin for a long period of time. When a person remains in the same position for a prolonged period of time, the weight of their body restricts blood flow and negatively affects circulation. At first, the skin may simply chafe but eventually, the skin and tissues will start to break down and result in ulcers.
Senior citizens in nursing homes and long-term care facilities are at a very high risk of developing bed sores. In particular, residents who are confined to bed rest or wheelchairs are especially vulnerable to bed sores because they remain in the same position for long periods of time. Bed sores are most likely to appear on the elbows, knees, buttocks, sides of the ankles, and on the spine.
Bed Sore Statistics in Nursing Homes
The statistics on bed sores in nursing homes are startling, and quite sad. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in ten nursing home residents in the United States have already experienced bed sores. Of all four stages, the most common is stage two, which is when the sore opens and blisters start to appear. The edges are often discolored and the sores are usually painful to the touch. These types of bed sores make up approximately half of all bed sores in nursing homes.
Bed sores are also most likely to develop in residents that are new to a facility rather than those that have been there long-term. According to studies, nursing home residents are at the highest risk of developing bed sores within their first year in a facility. Additionally, men are also more prone to developing bed sores. Studies have shown that while 13 percent of men have developed bed sores in long-term care facilities, ten percent of women have suffered from the condition.
Our Bed Sores Attorney in Tampa Can Help Your Family
Bed sores are often a sign that nursing homes are not providing the high quality standard of care that is expected of them. At Kohn Law, our Tampa bed sores attorney is committed to helping seniors who have been harmed due to neglect and abuse, and we can put our expertise to work for you, too. Call us today at 813-428-8504 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable attorney and to learn more about how we can help you and your family.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0400/0400.html
cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db14.htm
