Bed Sores/Ulcers

Nursing home bedsores are also known as pressure sores or decubitus ulcers.  These sores are caused by a lack of blood flow to an area of the skin resulting from continual pressure on a particular area of the body.  Bed sores commonly develop on areas with prominent bones beneath thin layers of skin, such as the hips, lower back, and heels,  The severity of a bed sore can range greatly, from mild bed sores appearing as just minor skin reddening, to severe bed sores appearing in deep wounds exposing muscle and bone.  Bed sores, if left untreated, can progress to a serious condition.  Due to negligence and improper nursing home care, bed sores have resulted in serious pain and suffering for many residents.

Most people do not develop bedsores since they are constantly moving and able to reposition themselves.  However, many nursing home residents are unable to move independently and require others, nursing home staff, to care for them and prevent the development of bedsores.  Neglect and failure to properly turn and reposition a resident could lead to severe and life threatening bedsores or decubitus ulcers.
Failure to provide the proper medical care to nursing home residents increases the risk of developing nursing home bedsores.  Also, failing to treat pressure sores once they develop may lead to a worsening of the condition or could even lead to death.  Some examples of neglect which may contribute to the development of nursing home bedsores include:

• malnutrition and dehydration
• not changing soiled diapers and allowing moisture to remain close to the skin
• allowing residents to remain in the same position for extended periods of time
• failing to do routine checks for signs of pressure sores
• failing to treat and report to a physician bedsores that may have developed

Nursing home neglect, if severe, can lead to nursing home abuse.  Often when there are bedsores present there are also other types of nursing home abuse taking place, such as malnutrition and dehydration.

If your loved one has developed a bedsore while in a nursing home contact California Attorney Joel Bryant today at (619) 239-7900 for a free legal consultation.