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Local Law Firms Home > Nursing Home & Elder Law Overview > Bedsores Bedsores are not a medical condition in itself. In this case, they are signs of abandonment or neglect. Elders who are bedridden or cannot move may end up lying in the same position on the bed or sitting on wheelchairs for long periods. Bedsores can be avoided if the nursing home staff changes their position regularly. Have you or a loved one suffered from bedsores while in a nursing home? If so, our nursing home abuse lawyers are here to help. Contact a nursing home abuse attorney in your area today for more information about pursuing monetary compensation in a nursing home abuse lawsuit. There are other reasons for bedsores related to neglect and improper or inadequate medical care of patients, as listed below:
The law is very clear and explicit on the fact that nursing home residents should not develop bedsores, unless they have some medical condition that makes it impossible to stop the sores. However, approximately 25 percent of residents do develop bed sores at some point in their stay in nursing homes. It can be avoided if the home maintains a high level of hygiene and provides quality care to immobile patients. However, many nursing homes and long-term care facilities are woefully understaffed and open positions are increasingly being filled with untrained caregivers on minimum wage. Patients are often left with soiled sheets and diapers for hours and then may not be repositioned for an entire day. If you know or suspect of a situation like this, report it to the nursing home management and the state department that oversees nursing homes. Do you or someone you know need more legal information regarding bedsores and nursing home abuse? It is crucial to obtain legal representation in order to rectify the situation. Contact a nursing home abuse attorney in your area today to learn more about nursing home abuse and how we can fight for your rights. Did you know? Patients can be assessed for risk of bedsores using tools like the Braden Scale. The Braden Scale is not an actual device, but a rating scale which healthcare providers can use to assign scores that will predict a patient's chances of developing bedsores. |