Virginia nursing home neglect bedsore attorneys

What causes bedsores?

Bedsores develop when ongoing pressure on an area of skin cuts off circulation. The tissue underneath eventually dies and begins to decay. Bedsores usually occur where bony parts of the body meet firm surfaces, compressing the skin and underlying tissue.

A person left lying on his back will commonly develop bedsores on the back or side of the head, the backs of his shoulders, buttocks, tailbone, calves, heels, and elbows – any place kept in constant contact with the bed.

A person confined to a wheelchair will often develops bedsores on buttocks and tailbone, shoulder blades, spine, and backs of the arms and legs—any place in constant friction with the chair.

Signs of bedsores forming include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Pus-like draining
• An unusual texture or color
• Feels warmer than surrounding skin
• Feels cooler than surrounding skin
• Skin is tender or painful to the patient

How can bedsores be prevented?

The main way to prevent bedsores is by frequently changing a patient’s position, such as turning a bedridden patient on his side or stomach. It also helps to keep the skin in susceptible areas of the body clean and dry. Exercise to stimulate circulation, and proper nutrition, are also important keys to prevention.

If a patient is unable to move a body part, a caregiver should lift and flex the arms and legs to stimulate circulation. Patients who have been smokers or have diabetes are particularly prone to bedsores, so they must be carefully looked after.

Why are nursing home patients neglected?

Nursing home patients are often neglected for two main reasons:

First, many assisted living facilities are grossly understaffed. That’s the fault of the facility’s owners and managers, who may stretch their staff to increase their profits.

Second, many caregivers are poorly trained and often underpaid. Some caregivers may not even know how to look for bedsores and prevent them.