Elder Law

Pressure Sores are something to Watch in Nursing Homes

By Levin & Perconti

Nursing home residents are more likely to get pressure ulcers because they are immobile. A pressure ulcer is an injury to the skin that is the result of constant pressure due to impaired mobility. They are commonly referred to as bed sores and result in reduced blood flow and cause cell death, skin breakdown and the development of an open wound. They are likely to appear in those who are wheelchair or bed-bound. Common sites include the sacrum, back, buttocks, heels, back of the head and elbows. Pressure ulcers can cause serious infections, and even become life threatening.

The skin must be kept clean and moisturized in order to avoid pressure sores. Also, the body must be changing positions constantly. A healthy diet will help decrease the chances of bedsores. The nursing home must make sure that they are constantly moving patients in order to avoid bedsores. This becomes difficult when a nursing home is understaffed. Early treatment works the best when it comes to pressure ulcers so they must be addressed early. If not, surgical intervention might have to occur.

The Chicago nursing home lawyers at Levin & Perconti handle a good number of cases that deal with pressure ulcers. They understand how difficult it is to find out that a loved one has fallen victim to nursing home negligence and developed pressure ulcers. For example they recently filed suit against the Renaissance at 87th after a victim developed pressure ulcers. To read more about pressure ulcers, please click the link.

Full post as published by Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Blog on February 21, 2010 (boomark / email).