My Parent Got A Lot Of Bed Sores In A Nursing Home. Could Those Have Been Prevented And What Are My Legal Options?

Yes, bed sores (also called pressure sores) can be prevented. Bed sores are horribly painful and can become infected. Once bed sores develop, they can be difficult to eliminate. It’s critical that nursing homes take the proper steps to make sure that bed sores are not allowed to develop.

There are a number of steps that can be taken to prevent bed sores. Bed sores can develop in patients with limited mobility who spend a lot of time lying or sitting down. Areas that are prone to bed sores should be checked regularly, including the tailbone, hips, heels, bony areas on the feet, and buttocks. Caregivers should check those areas regularly to ensure sores are not developing.

Patients should also be moved frequently. If nursing home patients are not mobile, they should be manually moved every couple of hours. Caregivers must be alert to the fact that patients need to move. Also, patients should be given extra padding. Special beds and chairs are available that can help prevent putting excess pressure on areas prone to bed sores. Patients should also eat right and keep hydrated, which can keep skin healthy. Finally, patients must be kept dry. Pressure sores can easily develop when an area is wet, because wet skin is fragile.

Unfortunately, many nursing homes are understaffed and caregivers are overworked. The caregivers may be too busy to take steps to prevent pressure sores. If your loved one has developed a bed sore, you should speak to a nursing home attorney. He or she may have the right to compensation. Bed sores are extremely painful and can lead to more serious issues.