Nursing home residents sometimes have mobility challenges that require them to rely on the assistance of the facility employees. For some, the needs can be so significant that someone has to be available to help them reposition frequently or transfer from one location to another.
When someone is forced to remain in the exact same position for lengthy periods of time, they can develop bedsores. These injuries are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, particularly over bony areas of the body.
Bedsores take time to develop
These injuries don’t appear overnight. They result from residents being left in the same position for too long without being turned, repositioned or properly cared for. Basic hygiene, adequate nutrition, and proper bedding also play a critical role in preventing bedsores. When staff fail to monitor high-risk residents, or when facilities are understaffed, these serious injuries can develop and worsen quickly.
The serious impact of negligence on mobility-challenged residents
Neglecting to prevent or treat bedsores isn’t a minor oversight. These wounds can become severely infected, leading to complications like cellulitis, bone infections and even life-threatening sepsis. In advanced cases, surgery or hospitalization may be required, and the resident’s overall health can rapidly decline.
Victims of neglect that results in bedsores may need urgent medical attention, which can be costly. They may have other financial damages associated with these injuries. Seeking compensation can help them to recover those damages and may send a strong message to the long-term care facility about the quality of care that’s occurring.
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