Miami Nursing Home Bed Sores Lawyer
Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers, are caused by prolonged pressure to the skin, which then damages the underlying tissue. This is caused when a person is sitting or lying down for too long in one position and the body weight begins to cut off circulation to that region of the body. Elderly nursing home residents are often less mobile, requiring a wheelchair to get around or may even be bed-ridden. Under normal conditions, bed sores can be avoided by frequent movement with the help of nursing home staff. If you have a loved one who is suffering from bed sores while in a nursing home facility it is a sign of neglect and should be further investigated with help from a qualified Miami nursing home bed sores lawyer.
Stages of Bed Sores
There are four stages of bedsores. For all stages the first step in treatment is to simply move the patient’s position so that blood flow returns to that area.
- Stage One – As less blood gets to the area it may show slight discoloration. The skin will likely be a slightly different temperature than the surrounding areas and could be painful or itchy. With good nutrition, more movement, and plenty of water the bedsore should only take a few days to resolve.
- Stage Two – By stage two the skin has either begun to pus, creating a blister, or there is an open wound. The area will be swollen, red, possibly oozing, and painful. Along with all of the steps for stage one, the wound should be washing, bandaged, and monitored for any infection.
- Stage Three – By stage three, the damage has gone all the way into the fat tissue. The skin may be dying, causing it to turn black, and there may be an odor. This requires a doctor’s attention.
- Stage Four – As you can imagine, stage four bed sores are severe and will require immediate medical attention if not surgery. The damage can take years to treat and reverse.
How to Prevent Bed Sores
WedMd.com recommends moving every two hours if a person is lying down and every 15 minutes if they are sitting. It is common for nursing home residents to require hospital visits if their health declines. Harvard Health reported on studies showing that 35 percent of nursing home patients already had pre-existed bedsores when they were admitted as a resident, and many of those cases were residents who were being transferred from hospital care. This means that any nursing facility residents should be examined for bed sores upon their arrival. If they are wheelchair-bound or bed-ridden, there needs to be a schedule of care that helps them move around and adjust pressure points to avoid bed sores. It is even more critical to check regularly for bedsores when an elderly patient is unable to communicate about pain.
Contact A Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today
If your loved one is in a residential care facility and is experiencing bed sores, it is important to determine whether or not they are being caused by neglect. An attorney who is knowledgeable about bed sores and nursing home cases can help you investigate and begin legal action if necessary. Contact the Miami law offices of Freidin Brown, P.A today at 305-371-3666 to schedule a free consultation.
