Bedsores can easily develop in older adults. As people become less mobile due to age, they spend more time in the same position or may be almost entirely confined to a bed. In such scenarios, they may develop bedsores.
Also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, bedsores begin with inflamed, irritated skin and can progress to large, painful wounds that damage the tissue in the body. They can also produce severe infections with potentially life-altering consequences.
If nursing homes do not inspect residents regularly for bedsores and take action promptly after spotting them, vulnerable adults could potentially require surgery to recover from their injuries.
Untreated bedsores continue to worsen
Individuals with bedsores require proper treatment as soon as possible. That may include altering the position of the individual, encouraging regular physical activity and treating the wound itself. If caught early, bedsores may not even break the skin.
However, if nursing homes fail to diagnose them or don’t provide treatment, then the bedsores can damage the musculature, connective tissue and nerves nearby. According to Harvard Health, a publication from Harvard Medical School, Stage III and IV bedsores may require reconstructive surgery due to the extent of the tissue damage generated.
In scenarios where bedsores progress to a dangerous point, invasive medical care is likely needed. The resident and their family members may also want to look into new options for long-term care, as the facility that ignored the bedsores has already proven incapable of offering an appropriate standard of care.
Families can sometimes pursue nursing home negligence lawsuits as a means of recouping the expense of treating bedsores and moving a loved one to a facility with better care standards. Understanding that severe bedsore development is typically preventable with prompt interventions can motivate families to hold long-term care facilities accountable.
