Virginia nursing home neglect bedsore attorneys

How to spot signs of neglect in your elderly loved ones in Virginia

The bedridden elderly are among the most vulnerable members of our society. They rely on caregivers for their most basic needs. When their needs aren’t met, seniors can rapidly go downhill, suffering even more serious health problems.

Bedsores - also known as pressure sores, pressure ulcers, or decubitus ulcers - are a common problem for bedridden people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. As many as one in 10 nursing home residents suffers from bedsores, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These wounds can develop quickly, and they are painful and can easily become infected.

The good news is that bedsores can be prevented with proper care. The bad news is that most bedsores are the result of neglect.

If you discover that your loved one is suffering from bedsores, you may have grounds for a Virginia nursing home neglect lawsuit. To get the compensation your elderly family member needs - in order to be treated for bedsores and moved into a better facility - you’ll need an experienced Virginia nursing home neglect lawyer.

Our legal team at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys is passionate about the rights of the elderly, and we consider it a calling to help these vulnerable patients. To get the justice your loved one deserves, call (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 for a free case evaluation.

Back to Top

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

Back to Top

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.

Back to Top

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.

Back to Top

What can I do about suspected nursing home neglect or bedsores in Virginia?

If you suspect your elderly loved is the victim of nursing home neglect in Virginia, have a doctor who is NOT part of the facility’s staff perform an inspection.

Then contact us at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys. We will immediately launch an investigation, collect and document evidence, and notify the proper authorities.

We will also demand compensation from the negligent parties and their insurance companies. Our elderly citizens deserve to be honored and treated with respect. Many nursing home residents are veterans, which makes the neglect even more reprehensible. As former U.S. Marines, we leave no man behind, and we will not hesitate to fight aggressively for your loved one’s best interests.

Call us at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 today for a free consultation.

Back to Top

Additional Information

• Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers) - Mayo Clinic
• Pressure Sores - MedlinePlus
• Pressure Sores - Merck Manual