Pressure Ulcers: What Are They And How Do You Get Them?

Pressure ulcers are more commonly referred to as bedsores. Most of us have heard of them before but few really understand what they are or how you get them.

A pressure ulcer or bed sore occurs when a person who is inactive and has difficulty moving easily isn't moved regularly. Bedsores are not something everyone can expect to get as they age. In fact they are completely avoidable and directly caused by inadequate care. If pressure ulcers go untreated they can cause serious infections and eventually even become fatal.

Bedsores will be found on the more bony areas of the body. This is because the person's body weight has decreased the blood flow in that area. The most common places to find pressure ulcers are the tailbone, lower back, hip area and heels.

It is possible to get a bed sore from a single incident of a lack of blood flow combined with pressure however it is much more likely to get them from prolonged or repeated incidents of a patient being left prone. Ultimately a patient who gets pressure ulcers is being neglected.

The patients who are most inclined to suffer from bed sores are likely to have the following conditions:

• Poor diet or dehydration


• Difficulty controlling bladder or bowels


• Decreased mental state or awareness


• Confined to a bed or wheelchair


• Immobile or incapable of changing positions without help

In the early stages of a pressure ulcer you can reverse the sores simply be relieving pressure and moving the patient again. However once bed sores are present the patient will need to be moved or rotated every couple of hours. This is important to relieve the pressure in the areas of the bedsores and to allow the wounds to begin to heal.

There are four stages of bedsores and if they get to the later stages surgery may be necessary to treat the bed sores and if nothing is done pressure ulcers can eventually be fatal.

The problem with pressure ulcers is that if a patient develops them it typically means they are not being cared for correctly. This also means they are not likely to receive the treatment they need to heal.

If your loved one has pressure ulcers you need to take action immediately. Understand that this is not normal and your loved one is not receiving the care they need. In a nursing home, a patient with bedsores is being neglected. Monitor the situation and try to catch neglect in the early stages. Nursing home abuse can be a big problem and bedsores are a clear warning sign.

If you believe someone you love is being mistreated in a care facility talk to nursing home neglect lawyers to better understand your options and how you can fight for the rights of your loved one.