Davis & Brusca, LLC is proud to be the New Jersey nursing home bedsores lawyer families turn to for help when their loved ones are harmed by nursing homes. Bedsores, also called pressure sores, pressure ulcers, or decubitus ulcers, are a common sign of nursing home neglect or abuse. Bedsores occur when there is pressure on the skin that goes unrelieved for an extended period of time, usually over a boney area. Bed sores can also lead to further health issues, including such as infections.
If you have seen bed sores on your loved one’s lower back, buttocks, heels, back, or hips, then we encourage you to contact our office. As specialists, nursing home neglect lawyer NJ families can trust Davis & Brusca for skilled, aggressive representation. We get results.
Tips for Preventing Bedsores
It is nursing home’s job to provide a sufficient number of qualified staff to monitor their residentss health. They are required by federal and state law to provide services which afford residents with a safe and decent living environment. And they are required to monitor each resident’s plan of care against their evolving needs, and implement changes when concerning symptoms arise. Unfortunately, as a NJ nursing home bedsores lawyer, Davis & Brusca knows all too well that many nursing home facilities are understaffed and morale is low due to being overworked. This this leaves many residents without proper care or supervision, rendering them vulnerable to conditions such as painful bedsores. Even though it is not your duty to provide medical care, here are tips for ways to prevent bedsores that you can help with or ask the nursing staff about when you visit:
Inspect Skin
When visiting your loved one, you can inspect their skin for signs of bedsores. If the skin is not clean or dry in appearance, then they may be more susceptible for bedsores developing. Additionally, if there are bandages, these must be changed on a daily basis. If there is damage to your loved one’s skin, a foul smell, tenderness to the touch, or signs of infection, you must request medical assistance immediately and then contact our team of skilled nursing home bedsores lawyers in NJ for help.
Pay Attention to Meals
By being involved in your loved one’s care you can help prevent bed sores. The skin is an organ which needs proper nutrition. When residents receive poor nutrition or become dehydrated, they can become more prone to bedsores. It is vital that senior residents receive enough protein, vitamins, minerals, calories, and water. If you suspect that the nursing home care staff has not been giving your loved one adequate nutrition or hydration, you should contact Davis & Brusca’s team of nursing home bedsores lawyer in New Jersey for help.
Options for Movement
Residents at a nursing home must be given opportunities for movement. If they are unable to move themselves, it is vital that the facility turn and reposition them at least every two (2) hours when they are in bed, and at least every one (1) hour when in their wheelchair. High quality pressure redistribution surfaces (wheelchair cushions, specialty mattresses, etc.) may also be necessary. Failure to provide these basic measures is a frequent cause of pressure injuries. You can work with your loved one’s doctor and the facility’s interdisciplinary team to ensure their needs are met. Ask questions and push to see what safety measures are part of the care plan.
Contact Davis & Brusca, LLC
If you are worried about the wellbeing of your loved one, call Davis & Brusca, LLC to speak with a compassionate and dedicated New Jersey lawyer for nursing home bedsores today.