Bedsores have a strong association with advanced age. As people spend more of their time in bed or in chairs, their risk of developing a pressure ulcer, decubitis ulcer or bedsore increases.
Sometimes, families are dismissive about bedsores that affect the health of older adults because they view them as an aspect of aging. Despite what many people sometimes assume, bedsores are usually preventable with appropriate care practices.
How can facilities prevent bedsores?
There are several ways for nursing homes to prevent the development of bedsores. They can also prevent existing bedsores from worsening or causing an infection.
Keeping residents as active as possible is a critical component of bedsore prevention. Workers may need to physically reposition older adults or encourage them to get out of bed. Providing cushioning if bedsores develop can prevent them from worsening.
Routinely inspecting older adults for signs of bedsores and reporting them can help ensure that older adults receive the care they require for their comfort and overall well-being. Treatment is of the utmost importance, especially when older adults have limited mobility and compromised immune system function.
When nursing homes fail to notice bedsores in a timely fashion and do not act to treat them, they can progress to more advanced stages where they cause permanent injuries. Untreated bedsores can also lead to major infections. Older adults may end up in the hospital and could accrue thousands of dollars in expenses. The bedsores may also significantly reduce their comfort and quality of life.
Untreated, severe bedsores could be adequate grounds for a nursing home negligence lawsuit. Holding a facility accountable for poor care standards can lead to compensation for an affected resident and their family members.