Are Bedsores A Sign Of Nursing Home Neglect?

Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. These wounds often develop on areas of the body with bony prominences, such as the hips, tailbone, heels, and elbows. While bedsores can sometimes occur despite reasonable care, their presence in a nursing home setting frequently points to neglect. Recognizing the link between bedsores and neglect is essential for families who entrust the care of their loved ones to long-term care facilities.

What Are Bedsores And How Do They Develop?

Bedsores form when there is prolonged pressure on the skin, cutting off blood flow to the area. Without sufficient blood flow, the skin and underlying tissues can die, forming an open sore. Factors that contribute to bedsores include:

• Immobility: Residents who are bedridden or use wheelchairs are at higher risk because they cannot shift positions on their own
• Poor hygiene: Moisture from sweat, urine, or feces weakens the skin, increasing the likelihood of sores
• Malnutrition and dehydration: Insufficient nutrients or fluids impair the body’s ability to heal and maintain healthy skin
• Underlying medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes or circulatory issues make individuals more vulnerable to skin breakdown

Although bedsores can develop quickly, proper care and attention can prevent most cases.

Why Bedsores Indicate Nursing Home Neglect

While bedsores are not always avoidable, their presence often signals a failure in the standard of care nursing homes must provide. Here are the key reasons why bedsores are a red flag for neglect:

Failure To Reposition Residents

One of the most fundamental aspects of nursing home care is ensuring that immobile residents are regularly repositioned. For bedridden patients, this means turning them at least every two hours to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas. For wheelchair users, periodic adjustments are necessary. When residents develop bedsores, it often indicates that staff failed to:

• Follow a repositioning schedule
• Monitor residents closely for signs of pressure points
• Use pressure-relieving devices, such as special mattresses or cushions

Poor Hygiene Practices

Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial in preventing bedsores. Residents left in soiled bedding or clothing for extended periods are at a higher risk of developing sores due to moisture and bacteria weakening the skin. Neglect in this area might involve:

• Infrequent bathing or cleaning.
• Allowing residents to sit in urine or feces for long periods
• Failing to change wet or soiled bedding promptly

Poor hygiene not only contributes to the formation of bedsores but also increases the risk of infection, which can turn a minor wound into a life-threatening condition.

Inadequate Nutrition And Hydration

Malnutrition and dehydration are common issues in nursing homes that directly contribute to the development of bedsores. When residents do not receive adequate nutrition or hydration, their skin becomes more fragile, and their bodies are less capable of healing. Signs of neglect in this area include:

• Weight loss or signs of dehydration, such as dry skin and cracked lips
• Lack of individualized meal plans to meet dietary needs
• Failure to monitor food and water intake, especially for residents with feeding difficulties

Proper nutrition and hydration are critical for preventing bedsores and promoting recovery if they do occur.

Understaffing And Poor Training

Many nursing homes operate with insufficient staff, leading to a lack of individualized attention for residents. Inadequate staffing often means:

• Fewer repositioning checks
• Delays in addressing hygiene needs
• Lack of monitoring for early signs of bedsores

Poorly trained staff may not recognize the importance of preventative measures or fail to identify early-stage bedsores before they worsen. This systemic issue underscores a broader failure in care.

The Consequences Of Bedsores

Bedsores are not merely a cosmetic issue—they can lead to severe complications, including:

• Infections: Bedsores can become infected, leading to cellulitis, sepsis, or even bone infections (osteomyelitis)
• Pain and suffering: Bedsores are often excruciating and can significantly diminish a resident’s quality of life
• Increased medical costs: Treating advanced-stage bedsores requires specialized care, which can burden families with additional expenses
• Higher mortality risk: Severe bedsores can lead to life-threatening complications, especially in elderly or already frail individuals

When these consequences arise in a nursing home, they often point to systemic neglect.

What Families Can Do

If you suspect bedsores are a result of nursing home neglect, take the following steps:

• Document the condition: Take photographs of the sores and note their location, size, and progression
• Report the issue: Speak to the nursing home administration and demand an explanation. Follow up with local health authorities if the issue persists
• Seek medical care: Ensure your loved one receives immediate treatment for the bedsores and any underlying causes.
• Consult an attorney: A PA bedsore lawyer can help you hold the facility accountable and seek compensation for your loved one’s suffering

If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home neglect, call Davis & Brusca, LLC to find out what legal recourse you may have.