Bedsores, also sometimes called pressure sores, affect millions of people in the country every year. These sores injure not only the skin, but the underlying tissue as well, and they are extremely painful. Nursing home residents are often at increased risk for developing bedsores because their skin is so fragile, and because their mobility is often quite limited. Nursing home residents should never have to suffer the pain of bedsores. The majority of the time they do, it is because they were the victim of neglect by the nursing home staff members. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, it is important to know about bedsores and to speak to a Walnut Creek bedsore lawyer if your family member develops one.
Preventing Bedsores in Nursing Home ResidentsThe main way to prevent nursing home residents from developing bedsores is to change their position frequently. Bedsores develop when there is constant friction between the skin and a surface, such as a wheelchair or bed. Bedsores are most likely to appear on the tailbone, shoulder blade, and knees.
To prevent residents from developing bedsores, nursing home staff members must take many steps. The use of cushions and pillows can help reduce the pressure on the skin, which will prevent bedsores from forming. Nursing home staff members should also reposition residents from time to time, also to alleviate the pressure on the skin. When nursing home staff members fail to take these actions, or others that could prevent bedsores, they can be held liable for neglect or nursing home abuse with the help of a skilled bedsore lawyer in Walnut Creek.
Stages of BedsoresBedsores are classified differently depending on their severity. During stage one, a bedsore will form but an open wound will not develop. As the bedsore progresses, it will move into stage two, during which the wound will become open, or an ulcer or blister will form. Each of these stages are very painful, but they are fairly easily treatable.
As bedsores move into stage three, the wound is no longer considered superficial. A small crater forms, and the tissue under the skin becomes damaged. Sometimes, it is also possible to see fat within the sore.
Stage four, which is the most serious for bedsores, results in the wound deepening further, affecting the muscle and bone underneath. Tendons, deep tissues, and joints may also sustain some damage. The tissue is often dead during stage three and four, so the condition is not as painful for seniors. Still, the risk of permanent damage is much higher and the wound poses the risk of a life-threatening infection to set in. Also, bedsores that have reached these stages are not as easy to treat.
Call Our Bedsore Attorney in Walnut Creek for Help With Your ClaimIf your loved one has developed bedsores while in a nursing home, it is critical that you speak to a Walnut Creek bedsore attorney at Brod Law Firm today. Attorney Brod has the necessary experience nursing home abuse claims require, and he wants to put that experience to work for you. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation.