Are Bedsores in Santa Fe Always a Sign of Nursing Home Neglect?

Bedsores are a common concern for the elderly, especially those living in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Not only are they extremely painful, but without proper treatment, they can lead to severe health complications, and even death. But are bedsores always a sign of neglect?

In this article PKSD, we explain more about bedsores, including how they develop and when they may be a sign of nursing home neglect.

Do you have a loved one in a New Mexico nursing home who suffered serious harm due to severe pressure sores? Our nursing home abuse lawyers in Santa Fe have extensive experience advocating for victims of nursing home injury cases. PKSD is a trusted law firm with a long history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients.

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What Are Bedsores?

Bedsores are severe skin injuries caused by prolonged pressure on a specific area of the body. Anyone with limited mobility can get them if they are left in one position too long. Elderly residents living in nursing homes are highly vulnerable to these injuries. Often these individuals are unable to turn themselves without help.

Bedsores affect more than the surface of an individual’s skin. These injuries develop in the underlying tissue of the skin. The deeper the sore goes into the layers of the skin, the more dangerous it becomes.

Where Do Bedsores Develop?

Bedsores can happen anywhere, but usually develop over bony areas of the body, such as the heels, hips or lower back. The constant pressure blocks blood flow to the affected area, which in turn damages the skin and underlying tissue.

While bedsores can be a sign of neglect, they are not always straightforward indicators of inadequate care. Several factors must be considered to determine whether bedsores are a result of nursing home neglect or if they stem from other causes.

Are Nursing Home Responsible for Preventing Bedsores?

Yes. Nursing homes play a large role in helping to prevent residents in their care avoid bedsores. Here the essential responsibilities nursing homes must do to reduce the risk of these injuries developing:

Regular Repositioning

Residents who are bedridden or have limited mobility have a very high risk of developing pressure sores. To reduce that risk, nursing homes must turn these individuals, changing their position frequently.

By repositioning residents regularly—every two hours or so—nursing home staff can help relieve pressure to the skin and promote better blood circulation to vulnerable areas.

Skin Assessments

Nursing homes are required to check residents’ skin on a regular basis. These frequent skin assessments help staff spot early signs of bed sores, such as redness or irritation. Addressing these early signs promptly can prevent further damage and ensure that any issues are managed effectively.

Proper Nutrition

A well-balanced diet is more than just a matter of taste. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in helping elderly residents maintain healthy skin. The nursing home’s responsibility is to ensure residents are fed nutritious meals that meet their dietary needs. Proper nutrition supports skin health and healing, which can help to prevent bedsores and other health complications.

Hygiene

Nursing homes are also responsible for keeping residents’ skin clean and dry. Moisture from sweat or incontinence weakens the skin, making it more susceptible to sores and infections.

Do Bedsores Always Indicate Nursing Home Neglect?

Bedsores may often occur due to neglect, but not always. Sometimes bedsores are the result of factors beyond a nursing home’s control. These are some circumstances where neglect may not have been the cause of a resident’s bedsores:

Unavoidable cases due to extremely poor health: Some bedsores develop despite proper care, especially in individuals with severe health conditions or very limited mobility.

Rapid onset: In some situations, bedsores can develop quickly, even with attentive care.

Individual susceptibility: Factors like age and overall health can make some people more prone to developing bedsores. When accompanied by other factors the nursing home is responsible for, however, such as nutrition and hydration, a facility may still be liable.

Quality of care: Proper care significantly reduces the risk of bedsores developing, but it does not entirely eliminate it.

Medical conditions: Certain illnesses, such as diabetes and circulatory issues, can increase the likelihood of bedsores developing despite good care.

When Nursing Homes May Be Liable for Bedsores Due to Neglect

Nursing home neglect in this context means failing to meet the standard of care expected to reduce the risk of developing bedsores, as well as whether any known bedsores were properly treated and monitored.

To determine if bedsores are a result of neglect, consider the following:

• Frequency of Repositioning: Was the resident repositioned according to the recommended schedule? If not, this may indicate a lapse in care.
• Skin Care Protocols: Were proper skin care protocols followed? This includes regular skin assessments and appropriate hygiene practices.
• Staffing Levels: Was there enough staff to care for all residents? Too few staff members can lead to neglect and an increased risk of bedsores.
• Training and Procedures: Did the nursing home have proper training and procedures for preventing bedsores? If not, it could indicate that the facility is failing to meet care standards.

Dealing with Nursing Home Neglect? Contact PKSD

If you or a loved one are dealing with bedsores in a nursing home and suspect that neglect may be involved, our firm is here to help. We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to holding responsible parties accountable.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward achieving justice and improving care for those who need it most.

We are available 24/7. Call us now: 505-677-7777