Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, are a common medical issue for older adults. People with limited mobility may remain in the same position for too long. Doing so can cause painful bedsores. If bedsores progress, they can cause debilitating pain and tissue damage.
They can also cause major infections, which can sometimes even prove fatal. Nursing homes should make every reasonable effort to prevent bedsores. If an older adult did not receive the three types of support briefly explained below, their bedsores might be the result of poor care standards.
1. Regular movement or rotation
Nursing home employees can get older adults out of bed or out of their chairs. They can routinely check on them and encourage them to move. For those who are truly bedbound, rotating them regularly can minimize the risk of bedsores developing or worsening.
2. Appropriate cushioning
Particularly in cases where people cannot move on their own safely anymore, what they may require is a variety of different types of cushions. Cushions of different shapes and textures can help alleviate the pressure that causes bedsores.
3. Appropriate hygiene practices
Skin that is dirty when a bedsore develops is more likely to cause infections. Additionally, moisture left behind due to insufficient drying after bathing or showering could also create an enhanced risk for bedsore development and infections. Nursing home workers should ensure that residents engage in personal hygiene practices regularly and that their skin is completely dry before dressing them and putting them back in bed or on their favorite chair.
If serious bedsores develop due to poor care standards, families may have grounds for nursing home negligence lawsuits. Taking legal action can help compensate families for increased medical expenses and may also influence how facilities care for older adults in the future.
