Older adults may struggle to move around independently. They may sustain injuries or develop medical conditions that make walking or even getting out of bed difficult. People experiencing a decline in health and a reduction in their functional capabilities may move into nursing homes. At nursing homes, they have medical support and assistance managing the basic tasks of daily life.
Unfortunately, many nursing homes are understaffed, and workers may cut corners when providing care for older adults. Contrary to what many people believe, bed sores are not an inevitable consequence of experiencing reduced mobility. Professionals at nursing homes can typically prevent bed sore development or intervene to avoid the sores worsening.
In some cases, negligent care standards may lead to severe or infected bed sores. Oftentimes, those painful sores are an indicator of nursing home negligence.
How can workers prevent bed sore development?
Bed sores or pressure ulcers are the results of gravity causing trauma to the skin and nearby tissue. The longer people remain in the same position, the greater their likelihood of developing bed sores. It only takes a few hours in some cases for older adults to develop early-stage bed sores.
As such, the workers staffing nursing homes generally need to check in on residents routinely throughout the day. They should encourage movement. Something as simple as moving from a reclining position to a seated position can slow or prevent bed sore development. Cushioning can also help take the pressure off of specific locations when people have to remain in the same position or already have signs of early beds or development.
Workers should regularly inspect residents for signs of skin irritation and inflammation at problem locations. Under the shoulders, the back of the head, the back of the heels and the buttocks are among the most common locations for bed sores to develop. Timely identification of early-stage bed sores can allow for proper movement and cushioning.
Workers can usually prevent bed sores from progressing beyond the initial stage. Unfortunately, workers may fail to check residents regularly and may not take appropriate actions when bed sores begin developing.
Later-stage bed sores can become so serious that they require hospitalization. Older adults are also at risk of developing serious infections when bed sores progress beyond the earliest stages. Particularly in scenarios where older adults have a history of bed sores, workers should be proactive about ensuring their comfort and safety.
Documenting bed sores and the conduct of nursing home workers can help family members demand accountability. Those concerned about bed sore development may be able to take legal action in response to negligent care standards at nursing homes.
