Nursing Homes and Bedsores: Prevention, Dangers, and Abuse
Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are areas of skin damage caused by the lack of blood flow. These painful wounds develop as a result of prolonged pressure on the skin, typically in bedridden patients. When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, the constant pressure restricts blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues. This pressure usually occurs in areas over bony prominences, such as the heels, hips, and tailbone.
In nursing homes, bedridden patients or those with limited mobility are at a heightened risk for bedsores. Insufficient repositioning by caregivers exacerbates the issue, as regular movement is essential for alleviating pressure points. Improper bedding or contact with hard surfaces like metal tubing can also contribute to skin damage. Addressing this issue requires diligent care and regular monitoring to ensure patients are repositioned frequently.
Friction and shear forces are significant contributors to bedsores. Friction occurs when the skin rubs against a surface, such as bed linens or clothing, leading to skin irritation and damage. Shear forces happen when the skin moves in one direction while the underlying bone moves in another. This is common when patients slide down in a bed or chair, causing the skin layers to stretch and tear. In nursing homes, inadequate handling techniques or improper positioning can increase these risks. To reduce the impact of friction and shear, caregivers should use appropriate lifting aids and techniques, ensuring patients are moved gently and carefully. Maintaining clean, dry, and smooth bed surfaces also helps to reduce friction.
Inadequate blood flow is another major factor in bedsores. When pressure is applied to the skin for prolonged periods, it compresses blood vessels, reducing or halting blood circulation to the affected area. This lack of blood flow deprives the skin and underlying tissues of essential oxygen and nutrients, leading to necrosis and ulceration. Patients with circulatory issues, such as those stemming from diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, are particularly vulnerable to bedsores.
In nursing homes, immobility and insufficient skin assessments increase the risk of bedsores. Preventive measures include ensuring regular movement and repositioning patients to restore blood flow. Using pressure-relieving devices like specialized mattresses and cushions is another way to alleviate pressure on vulnerable areas.
Patient Risk Factors for Bedsores in Nursing Homes
Medical conditions and mobility issues notably increase the risk of developing bedsores. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders can impair blood circulation, nerve function, and skin integrity, all of which contribute to a heightened susceptibility to pressure ulcers.
Patients with limited mobility, such as those who are bedridden, use wheelchairs, or have paralysis, are unable to change positions independently, leading to prolonged pressure on certain body parts. This immobility is a significant risk factor. In nursing homes, staff must be vigilant about addressing these risks and implement tailored care plans that address each resident’s specific medical and mobility needs. Repositioning schedules and using mobility aids can help prevent the development of bedsores.
Early Warning Signs of Bedsores
Recognizing the early warning signs of bedsores is crucial for timely intervention and preventing further complications. The initial stage often presents as non-blanchable redness on the skin, particularly over bony areas. This redness may accompany warmth, swelling, or tenderness, indicating the onset of pressure damage. At this stage, the skin remains intact, but if left unaddressed, it can quickly progress to more severe stages involving open wounds and tissue damage. Other early signs include changes in skin texture, such as firmness or softness, and discoloration in individuals with darker skin tones.
As bedsores progress beyond the initial stage, they develop more advanced symptoms that require urgent medical attention. Stage two involves partial thickness loss, where the skin may form an open blister or shallow ulcer. As the sore advances to stages three and four, full thickness loss occurs, exposing fat (stage three) or even muscle and bone (stage four). These deeper ulcers are prone to severe complications, including infections like cellulitis or osteomyelitis, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
The presence of necrotic tissue or eschar, which appears black or brown, signifies dead tissue and complicates healing. In addition to physical symptoms, advanced bedsores can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life, causing pain, emotional distress, and increased risk of systemic infections.
Diagnosing bedsores involves a comprehensive assessment by healthcare professionals to determine the extent and severity of the condition. The process begins with a visual inspection of the skin, focusing on areas susceptible to pressure damage, such as the sacrum, heels, and elbows. Healthcare providers evaluate the sore’s size, depth, and any presence of necrotic tissue and signs of infection such as redness, warmth, or discharge. In some cases, further diagnostic tests may be required, such as blood tests to check for infection or imaging studies to evaluate the depth of tissue damage.
How Nursing Home Negligence Can Lead to Bedsores
Nursing home negligence is a common factor in the development of bedsores. When care facilities fail to maintain adequate staffing levels or properly train their personnel, patients may not receive the frequent repositioning and monitoring necessary to prevent pressure ulcers. Inadequate oversight can lead to prolonged periods where patients remain immobile, increasing the risk of skin breakdown.
Failure to maintain cleanliness and change bedding or clothing in a timely manner can exacerbate skin conditions, contributing to ulcer formation. Families of nursing home patients will want to remain on the lookout for signs of neglect, such as unexplained skin damage or a lack of response to requests for assistance. This may indicate a broader systemic issue within the facility.
Our Houston Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Seeks Maximum Compensation
If your loved one was injured by nursing home abuse in Houston, contact the Texas Department of State Health Services by calling (800) 458-9858 right away. You also have the right to seek compensation for the physical and emotional damage your loved one has suffered—and DK Law is here to help.
Lead attorney Darius Khosravian is a lifetime member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who win multi-million-dollar settlements for their clients. He was also selected among the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.
At DK Law, we handle cases on a contingency basis, so you won’t owe us anything unless we win you a settlement. Call (281) 402-8856 to schedule a FREE consultation with our Houston nursing home abuse attorney today.