You researched nursing homes thoroughly and found one that fit everything on your checklist. When the time came to relocate your mother, she received a warm welcome and seemed to settle in well.
She has been a resident there for six months, and you are beginning to worry about her care. The nursing home has had bedsore incidents, and you do not want this to happen to your mom.
The bedsore problem
Bedsores, also called pressure sores or pressure ulcers, can develop wherever there is a pressure point on the body, such as the hip, tailbone, ankle or heel. If blood flow to these areas is cut off, the skin and tissue beneath begin to die. Nursing home residents who are immobile or who have other conditions that require a lot of time spent in bed or even in one position in a wheelchair are most at risk.
Bedsore treatment
Nursing home staff must pay close attention to anyone who has immobility issues. A nurse or medical assistant should turn or reposition the person every two hours and perform frequent skin checks. Although bedsores usually take a significant amount of time to appear, they can develop within hours. Any bedsore requires immediate treatment, and staff must transfer a patient with a severe sore to a hospital or care facility better equipped to manage the condition.
Serious complications
While a bedsore may appear to be innocuous, if left untreated, the decay of the skin and tissue can quickly spread to the muscles and tendons at the site. Complications are not uncommon, and a stage four bedsore can be fatal.
Anticipating negligence
You are wise to express concern about the incidents of bedsores at the nursing home, especially if your mother is among those who require additional care due to immobility. You may want to increase visits to your mom. Do not be afraid to ask questions of staff and find out more about the level of care your mother receives. You can also be proactive in exploring your legal options in the event that nursing home negligence becomes a reality that impacts your mother’s well-being.
