Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers and decubitus ulcers are extremely dangerous injuries for nursing home residents. They are also one of the best barometers for whether or not nursing home neglect is taking place.
There are three main factors that contribute to bed sores. Constant pressure on a specific part of the body, dehydration and malnutrition, and dampness or unsanitary conditions. All three of these factors are indications of nursing home neglect, so when a resident develops a bed sore at a nursing home or other skilled care facility, it’s an excellent sign that nursing home neglect is taking place.
Bed sores are lasting injuries. Unlike many other conditions, a nursing home cannot “fix” a bed sore when nursing home inspectors are present. Bed sores are difficult to treat and slow to heal, especially when nursing home neglect caused the bed sores in the first place.
A resident at the Gilman Healthcare Center in Gilman, Illinois, developed two preventable bed sores while a resident at the facility. One is a Stage 2 bed sores and one is Stage 3.
Bed sores are evaluated on a four stage scale. Stage 4 is the worst stage. A Stage 3 bed sore indicates that a wound had extended into the soft tissue. One of the ways that nursing homes can reduce pressure on bed sores is through a special pressure reducing mattress. Although a mattress had been ordered for the resident after her bed sores began to develop, it was never delivered.
One of our core beliefs is that nursing homes are built to fail due to the business model they follow and that unnecessary injuries and illnesses and wrongful deaths of residents are the inevitable result. Order our FREE report, Built to Fail, to learn more about why. Our experienced Chicago nursing home lawyers are ready to help you understand what happened, why, and what your rights are. Contact us to get the help you need.
Other blog posts of interest:
Medication usage leads to fall at Gilman Healthcare Center
Multiple bed sores at Elmwood Terrace