Some serious medical issues are commonly associated with advanced age. Dementia and increased fall risk are known issues that older adults may eventually face. Many people move into nursing homes because they previously fell or have begun experiencing cognitive decline that limits their ability to live independently.
Bedsores also have a strong association with limited mobility later in life. People living in nursing homes may spend much of their time in bed or in a comfortable chair, which may increase their risk of developing bedsores. Also known as pressure ulcers, bedsores form when people remain in the same position for extended periods, leading to painful wounds where their bodies contact the bed or chair.
Are bedsores typically indicative of neglect or abuse in a nursing home?
Some people are more at risk than others
Bedsore development depends in part on how active a person is, how much they weigh and other underlying health factors. Nursing homes may not necessarily be able to prevent all bedsore development.
Early-stage bedsores can form within a matter of hours in many cases. However, later-stage bedsore development is typically preventable, as the wounds take days to cause deeper tissue damage. Workers can cushion residents, help them rotate their bodies and otherwise alleviate pressure on specific body parts to prevent the development of later-stage bedsores. They can also identify bedsores promptly and keep the affected areas clean to prevent infections.
When nursing homes fail to treat early-stage bedsores or identify and address bedsore infections promptly, the medical issues that result could be indicative of neglect. Consulting with a nursing home neglect attorney can help families determine if they have grounds for litigation.