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Nursing Home Neglect: Bedsores
What is Nursing Home Neglect?
Nursing home neglect is a tragic, but yet all-too-common issue that occurs daily in the United States. Nursing home neglect is when residents in nursing homes do not receive the proper care and suffer physical or mental health problems as a result. According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, 15% of elder abuse complaints in nursing homes are based on neglect. There are many nursing homes that do treat their patients with dignity and respect, but there are many others that fail to meet basic standards of care.
Bedsores
One of the most common and telling signs of nursing home neglect is bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers. Bedsores may not take too long to develop, especially in older individuals who have mobility issues and are primarily confined to a bed or wheelchair. There are different grades of bedsores, and if not treated properly can result in serious complications and health problems.
What are Bedsores?
Bedsores are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. Bedsores often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as heels, ankles, hips, and tailbone. Risk factors that come into play while dealing with bedsores often include: immobility, incontinence, lack of sensory perception, poor nutrition and hydration, and medical conditions affecting blood flow.
Symptoms
Common warning signs of bedsores in nursing homes include:
- Patches of skin that feel cool or warm to the touch
- Pus drainage from wounds
- Strange changes in skin color or texture
- Swelling
- Tender areas of the skin
The most common way to measure the severity of nursing home bedsores is by the depth of soft tissue damage. It is critical to monitor the care of your loved one receives. Warning signs — such as bedsores in a long-term care facility — should never be taken lightly, as they are often a red flag for ongoing nursing home neglect or abuse.
Contact Us
If you observe any of these signs, act quickly to protect your loved one and contact our experienced team of attorneys at Scartelli Olszewski, P.C. We are all too familiar with the seriousness of nursing home negligence and are prepared to represent our clients in such cases.
Sources:
Peter Paul Olszewski, Jr., a shareholder and managing partner at Scartelli Olszewski, P.C., brings 37 years of litigation experience. He is a renowned trial lawyer in Pennsylvania, specializing in medical malpractice, personal injury, and criminal defense. Peter's notable achievements include securing multi-million-dollar verdicts and serving as District Attorney and Judge. He is committed to community involvement and is actively engaged in various legal associations.
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