Bedsores Can Lead To Serious Infections In Nursing Homes

Lipinski

People, typically elders, usually enter nursing homes hoping to spend their remaining days with dignity, while surrounded by expert care and companionship. They commonly want to avoid being alone or feeling like a burden to their loved ones.

Unfortunately, these also are usually the same people who are at an increased risk of suffering from neglect and elder abuse, resulting, most commonly, in painful bedsores — also known as pressure sores. While these bedsores may initially seem like minor issues, they definitively can have severe consequences. Alarmingly, 26% of patients with pressure ulcers or bedsores live in nursing homes.

If you have a loved one in a nursing home who is suffering from these debilitating sores, we’re here to help. Understanding signs and symptoms of pressure ulcers stages can alleviate considerable pain, and in some cases can save the life of a family member or friend. Below we’ll discuss what to watch for, how these sores can affect nursing homes patients if the issue isn’t properly treated.

What Are Bedsores and How Do They Develop?

A bedsore is an open wound that results from continuous, excess pressure on the skin, most commonly as a result of being left to lay in one position for a prolonged period of time. This issue prevents free blood flow, causing skin cells to slowly be cut off from oxygen and begin to die. The most common question people ask is – “what are other names for bed sores”? You can also call this condition a pressure ulcer, pressure sore, or decubitus ulcer.

Nursing home residents are especially vulnerable if they have limited mobility or disabilities. The staff is always equipped to handle such situations, and with proper attention, the ulcers can be treated before they have a chance to further develop. Unfortunately, this is not what always happens, and each year, due to abuse and neglect in nursing homes, many elderly patients suffer from this painful and uncomfortable condition.

Bedsores and Infections

Pressure ulcer symptoms commonly begin with purple and red marks on the patient’s skin. When left untreated, the injury breaks the skin and then becomes an open wound. In severe cases, bedsores can extend deep into the skin, exposing bone, and significantly increasing the risk of life-threatening infections.

People who are confined to a bed or chair with long periods of inactivity are at high risk of developing bed sores. The major contributing factors of this condition are:

  • Friction Continuous rubbing of the skin against a surface.
  • Pressure Sustained force that damages skin tissues by obstructing blood flow.
  • Shear Skin moves in one direction while the underlying muscle and bone stay in place, causing tissue damage.

Signs and Symptoms of Infected Bedsores

Recognizing the signs of an infected bedsore is crucial for timely treatment. Below are the stages of pressure ulcers and symptoms to watch for:

Stage 1 Pressure Ulcer: Redness or discoloration on the skin that doesn’t fade when pressed. The skin remains intact but may feel warmer or firmer than the surrounding areas.

Stage 2 Pressure Ulcer: The skin breaks open, forming a shallow wound or blister. The area may appear red or pink and feel tender.

Stage 3 Pressure Ulcer: The sore deepens, affecting the tissue beneath the skin. It may look like a crater, and dead tissue (slough) may be present.

Stage 4 Pressure Ulcer: The wound becomes severe, exposing muscle, bone, or tendons. There’s a high risk of infection, and the damage can be life-threatening.

The impending signs of infection include:

  • Increased redness, swelling, or warmth around the sore
  • Pus or foul-smelling discharge
  • Fever or chills
  • Increased pain or tenderness

Preventing Bedsores in Nursing Homes

Preventive measures can be taken before the bedsores progress to a stage 4 pressure wound:

  • Frequent position changes: Regularly shift positions to alleviate pressure on vulnerable areas.
  • Use supportive cushions and mattresses: Specialized equipment can reduce friction and pressure on the skin.
  • Keep skin clean and dry: Proper hygiene helps prevent infections in the pressure sores.
  • Healthy diet: Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining skin health and to support healing.
  • Seek professional care: For deep or worsening wounds, consult a medical expert immediately.

Elder abuse and neglect are unacceptable, and bedsores are often a telltale sign of these issues. If you suspect that your loved one is suffering due to nursing home neglect, Lipinski Law is here to help.

Call us at 561-453-4800 for a completely free and confidential consultation. We’ll listen to the facts of the case and provide the expert guidance you need to protect your loved one’s rights. Navigating the legal system can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Together, we can hold negligent parties accountable and ensure that your family receives the justice that they deserve.

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