When you visit your mother at her care facility in Thomasville, you expect to see her well rested and cared for. Discovering a painful pressure ulcer, commonly known as a bedsore, can be a shocking experience. You may feel a mix of guilt for not noticing it sooner and anger at the facility. It is important to know that these injuries are often preventable with proper attention and routine movement.
While some skin issues occur naturally with age, certain types of sores are a major red flag regarding the quality of care. Here is what you need to check if you suspect your loved one is being neglected.
The sore has reached an advanced stage
Medical professionals categorize these injuries from stage 1 to stage 4. A stage 1 sore is typically red and stays red when pressed. However, stage 3 and 4 sores are deep wounds that may show fat, muscle or bone.
According to CMS quality standards, stage 3 and 4 pressure ulcers are considered “serious reportable events” that are generally preventable with proper care. If you see a wound that looks like a deep crater, it likely means the staff has failed to provide basic monitoring.
A lack of turning and repositioning logs
Georgia regulations require facilities to meet the individual care needs of residents to prevent pressure ulcers. For residents with limited mobility, the “two-hour” rule is a standard clinical practice used to ensure blood flow reaches the skin.
If the facility cannot show clear records of these movements, it may indicate that they are understaffed and failing to meet basic care needs. You have the right to ask to see these charts to confirm your loved one is getting the attention they require.
Signs of poor hygiene or dehydration
Bedsores struggle to heal if a resident is malnourished or left in soiled clothing. Moisture and a lack of nutrients make the skin far more likely to break down.
If you notice your loved one is also unusually thirsty or appears unwashed, the pressure ulcer signals a larger pattern of nursing home neglect that needs your attention. These conditions often go hand in hand when a facility is cutting corners on care.
Move quickly to protect your loved one
In Georgia, you typically have two years to file a personal injury or medical malpractice claim, but if the facility is government operated, you may have as little as six months to provide formal notice.
Taking a step now gives you peace of mind knowing you are doing everything possible to hold the facility accountable and keep your mother safe. Calling an experienced attorney to discuss your concerns before the situation worsens can help you protect your family’s legal rights.