Year after year, families rely on nursing homes to keep their elderly loved ones safe and cared for. When a nursing home fails to deliver, it may breach the standard of care that it is legally required to provide. One such effect of subpar care is pressure ulcers. If your loved one shows signs of experiencing this injury, you may need to question whether they receive the top-quality treatment they deserve.
Lack of proper repositioning
Prolonged pressure on the skin causes pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, which can decrease blood flow and oxygenation to the affected area. This could result in the skin and underlying tissue dying, leading to an open wound. The risk of developing pressure ulcers increases with age as the skin becomes thinner and less resilient, making it more susceptible to damage. In nursing homes, this could be a sign of inadequate care and neglect. When caregivers do not give older people the time to move around or fail to assist them in turning or repositioning, they may increase the risk of pressure ulcers.
Consequences of pressure ulcers
The effects of pressure ulcers on the elderly could be significant and lead to a decline in their physical and emotional well-being. Some common effects of pressure ulcers include:
- Pain
- Infection
- Decreased mobility
- Emotional distress
The impact of pressure ulcers becomes more apparent when they visibly decrease the quality of life of your elderly loved one. If you suspect a loved one’s pressure ulcers are a sign of nursing home negligence, it’s important to speak with the nursing home’s administration and medical staff to understand its cause. Most nursing homes are chronically understaffed, which could lead to a negative impact on providing appropriate care. However, that is not an excuse for the substandard care your loved one is receiving. Discussing these issues with the administration could help address this unfortunate situation and ensure your loved one gets the care they deserve.