Bedsores and Nursing Home Abuse

When someone is bed-bound, it is necessary for them to change position periodically to prevent bed sores. Bedsores occur when a patient lies motionless for an extended period of time. Constant pressure on spots on that person's body can cause the skin underneath the contact point to die, creating a hole in the person's skin. If they are caught early, bedsores can be treated easily. But if they are overlooked, they can lead to massive infections and death.

Any spot the patient's body that experiences pressure while that person is motionless can develop a bed sore if the conditions are right. For example, if the person is lying in a position where part of the bed's frame is in constant contact with the person's knee, the sustained pressure of the frame on the leg can cut off blood supply to that small area of skin. If blood flow is cut off for too long, the skin underneath the contact point will die.

Unfortunately bed sores are especially common in nursing homes. Nursing homes are designed to care for patients who cannot take care of themselves, and patients often live there for years. A substantial portion of nursing home patients may be unable to leave their beds. Nurses are expected to regularly help patients reorient their bodies and to check for bedsores, but some facilities fail to safeguard their patients.

Early-stage bedsores, if they are detected, only cause damage to the upper layers of skin. Over time, the tissue death proceeds deeper and deeper. Beyond a certain point, the body cannot recover on its own. Treating a bed sore requires surgically removing the dead tissue and applying anti-microbial dressings to keep it covered. Severe wounds require skin grafts or similar surgery, as the body cannot close the hole on its own.

The causes, nature, and effects of bedsores are well known. Nursing homes, hospitals, and other care facilities have an obligation to ensure that bed-bound patients do not develop bedsores. If their negligence causes a patient great suffering, that person and their loved ones have the right to seek compensation for their suffering.

For more information on legal subjects related to medical malpractice and nursing home abuse, visit the website of the Kankakee nursing home abuse lawyers of Spiros Law, P.C.