Bed sores, also known as pressure sores and skin ulcers, are painful and dangerous open wounds that develop when a bedridden elderly patient has remained in the same position in bed for a prolonged period of time.
Bed sores occur when pressure on the bony points of the body such as the tailbone, elbows, heels, or buttocks causes the skin to break down, crack, and become infected. Bed sores or skin ulcer wounds can progress through the skin and down to the bone, causing bone infection and, in severe cases, requiring amputation. Still, with proper medical care and treatment, bed sores are preventable.
If you suspect a family member has suffered neglect or abuse at the hand of a facility or caregiver, our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys and elder abuse lawyers can help. Please fill out and submit the form on this page or call us at (888) 285-3333 for a free and confidential case evaluation.
Causes of Bed Sores
- A bedridden elderly patient remains in the same position for a prolonged period of time. If an elderly bedridden patient cannot move without assistance, the caregiver is responsible for preventing bed sores by making sure that the patient changes position every two hours. A good mattress and additional padding can also aid in the protection of pressure points and prevention of bed sores.
- Moisture. To prevent bed sores, it is vital that elderly patients receive good personal hygiene care, including keeping skin clean and dry, and free from urine and feces. If your loved one suffers from incontinence (loss of bowel or bladder control), the bed sheets must be kept clean and dry to prevent bed sores, and the patient should be taken to the bathroom regularly.
- Poor nutrition affecting skin health. Elderly people generally have poor skin quality, which makes them more susceptible to developing bed sores. If a caregiver is not providing good nutrition to the elderly patient, bed sores are more likely to develop.
Early Warning Sign of Bed Sores
An early warning sign of a bed sore is a reddened area, especially at a pressure point such as the tailbone, buttocks, elbows, or heels. If you observe reddened areas on your loved one, talk to the caregiving facility about your concerns. Always investigate thoroughly.
If you do not receive good answers to your questions, you may need to report your concerns to the appropriate California department or agency.
Contact a Nursing Home Lawyer, Elder Abuse Attorney
The attorneys at Kershaw, Cutter & Ratinoff have experience representing the elderly, dependent adults and their families in cases of nursing home abuse and neglect, assisted living, and other long-term health care facility abuse and neglect.
If your loved one is suffering from bed sores that you believe have resulted from abuse and neglect by a caregiver or facility, please fill out and submit the contact form on this page for a free and confidential case evaluation or call us toll-free at (888) 285-3333.