BED SORES IN NURSING HOME AND ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENTS
Bed sores typically happen to patients who have not changed position for long periods of time. These sores are often referred to as pressure sores or decubitus ulcers. They are usually caused by ongoing unrelieved pressure and can occur on any area of the body. By not relieving the pressure from time to time, tissues can break down and sores will then form. This type of sore can also happen to patients confined to wheelchairs, again because of remaining in one position for long periods of time without shifting their weight.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE BED SORES
Bed sores begin as irritated red marks. They can easily worsen if caregivers fail to change patient’s position, sometimes resulting in death due to sepsis [infection of the blood] or gangrene from open, gaping wounds that affect muscle and tissue, and sometimes expose bone matter. Infections are bound to occur in unsanitary environments and most assuredly when patients are neglected. These infections cannot go untreated; they must be tended to immediately for these reasons .
PREVENTION OF BED SORES
Bed sores are an alert to neglect and substandard care, which does not have to happen. Caregivers can prevent bed sores simply by assisting patients with their personal hygiene, as well as changing their position frequently throughout the day and/or night. Proper care is the simple solution. Bed sores cause horrible pain and suffering those and is quite unnecessary.
HOW TO HELP A PATIENT SUFFERING FROM BED SORES
The severe pain, as well as risk of death, is inexcusable. Anyone who observes an individual suffering from bed sores should demand immediate attention to the matter and insist on better care. If need be, patient should be moved to a safer location. Sores that have progressed beyond the beginning stage speak for obvious problems with management.
No patient should suffer to this degree or be left in a debilitating condition. Monetary recovery is in order for any patient who becomes the victim of this low caliber care.
Anyone residing in a Seattle, Washington care facility who is experiencing bed sores should contact (or have their family contact) a nursing home abuse lawyer for representation to make a claim for damages against the facility.
HELP IS AVAILABLE FROM SEATTLE, WASHINGTON,NURSING HOME ATTORNEYS
At Wattel and York, we fight for justice for the elderly every day. Call for a free case analysis and consultation. We are committed to helping people of all ages in Seattle or anywhere in Washington who have been neglected or harmed. If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.