Bedsores, also known as pressure sores, are caused when tissues rub against bone. They occur because the pressure of the tissue rubbing on the bone is not relieved over an extended period of time. This continuous friction causes a sore, which can become infected.
While bedsores can happen due to a patient being unable to move or being in a single position for a long period of time, proper health care should help eliminate the risk. Usually, bedsores do not develop if the nursing home provides adequate help to the individuals living there.
Bedsores vary in how severe they are. The longer the pressure lasts, the worse the bedsore gets, in most instances. For patients who are unable to readjust themselves or move freely, all a nursing staff member needs to do is to help the individual move once in a while to relieve pressure that is on the joints and other areas of the skin and body.
A stage I bedsore usually isn’t a serious problem, and the tissues only have minor irritation. In many cases, this is not cause for alarm, but it does mean you need to monitor your loved one’s care. As long as your loved one moves around and does not place pressure on the sore, it should heal quickly at that stage. Progressing bedsores are a sign that individuals are not helping your loved one move and adjust him or herself, and that’s purely negligence.
If you believe your loved one is being neglected, you have the right to make a claim. Your attorney can help you make sure that your loved one does not suffer at the hands of a negligent staff. Our site has more information on these injuries.