Bedsores

Bedsores are very serious conditions that in almost all cases are caused by neglgect. The incidence of serious bedsores in a nursing home's population is one factor that should be used in choosng a facility.

WHAT ARE BEDSORES

The definitions of the four pressure ulcer stages are revised periodically by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) in the United States. Briefly, however, they are as follows:

• Stage I is the most superficial, indicated by redness that does not subside after pressure is relieved. This stage is visually similar to reactive hyperemia (a technical term for excessive redness) seen in skin after prolonged application of pressure. Stage I pressure ulcers can be distinguished from reactive hyperemia in two ways: a) reactive hyperemia resolves itself within 3/4 of the time pressure was applied, and b) reactive hyperemia blanches when pressure is applied, whereas a Stage I pressure ulcer does not. The skin may be hotter or cooler than normal, have an odd texture, or perhaps be painful to the patient. Although easy to identify on a light-skinned patient, ulcers on darker-skinned individuals may show up as shades of purple or blue in comparison to lighter skin tones.

• Stage II is damage to the epidermis extending into, but no deeper than, the dermis. In this stage, the ulcer may be referred to as a blister or abrasion.

• Stage III involves the full thickness of the skin, extending into, but not through, the subcutaneous tissue layer. This layer has a relatively poor blood supply and can be difficult to heal. At this stage, there may be undermining damage that makes the wound much larger than it may seem on the surface.

• Stage IV is the deepest, extending into the muscle, tendon or even bone.

• Unstageable pressure ulcers are covered with dead cells, or eschar and wound exudate, so the depth cannot be determined.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF BEDSORES

Bed sores are caused by unrelieved pressure on a particular area of the body, usually on lower backs, hipbones, and heels, can create a sore. Elderly nursing home residents who lack mobility must be turned or repositioned regularly to prevent the development of bedsores. Many nursing homes lack adequate numbers of nursing staff. As a result patient care suffers and the frequency of bedsores increases.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

1. Visit often. Residents who have frequent visitors are less likely to be ignored by staff.

2. Ask your loved one how they are.

3. When you visit check for signs of injury.

4. Don't be afraid to look under the sheets for the presence of bedsores. Bedsores usually develop on the lower back or buttocks and are not usually visible without exposing the patient.

If you find any signs of bedsores, dehydration, injury or abuse, immediately bring it to the attention of the facility. Speak to the nurses, ask them what they know. Remember to document everything.

The owners and operators of nursing homes can be held accountable for their actions. The law provides for specific causes of action that you can pursue in order to hold them accountable. Don't allow them to increase their profits at the expense of the suffering of our loved ones. Contact us by filling out and submitting the contact form or by calling us at (866) 372-0570. An attorney experienced in nursing home litigation will return your call withing 24 hours.