Bedsores are serious health concerns for elderly residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Elderly individuals are especially vulnerable to bedsores because of their difficulty moving independently.
Without proper care and treatment, bedsores can lead to serious medical complications and become life-threatening. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, you should learn more about the dangers of bedsores. Here is what you should know:
How do bedsores develop?
Bedsores appear as red, discolored areas on the skin. Bedsores develop on the skin when a person remains in the same position for an extended period, which reduces blood flow to those areas. The restricted circulation can prevent the skin and tissue from receiving enough oxygen and nutrients. Some of the most common areas for bedsores include heels, hips, ankles and elbows.
What happens if bedsores are not treated?
Bedsores can be very painful. Nursing home residents who develop bedsores can experience burning, tenderness and swelling. This pain can make it harder for elderly individuals to sleep, eat or move around. As a result, bedsores may be harder to manage once they develop.
If left untreated, bedsores can develop into serious medical complications. One of the most common dangers of bedsores is infection. As a bedsore worsens, the skin can break and underlying tissue can be exposed to bacteria. The infection can damage surrounding skin or bone or enter the patient’s bloodstream. An infection can develop into sepsis, leading to a life-threatening medical emergency or death. Advanced age also makes it harder to heal.
Treating bedsores can take time. Elderly residents may require antibiotics, surgery, rehabilitation or wound care specialists. The healing process can go on indefinitely.
If an elderly loved one has developed bedsores while in a nursing home, nursing home staff may have neglected their duties. Professional legal guidance can help you take action to protect your loved one.
