I’m sorry to hear about your mother’s pressure sores. Yes, they can be easily prevented, and yes, you or your mother may be able to sue the nursing home for mistreatment. Pressure sores, which are also called bed sores, can be very painful and may become infected, which can lead to other health problems. Pressure sores can be hard to get rid of once they develop. Nursing homes must take the proper steps to ensure that their patients do not develop pressure sores.
Pressure sores can be prevented with a certain level of care. Patients must be kept dry, as pressure sores can easily develop when skin is wet. Wet skin can become fragile and prone to deterioration. If a patient spends a lot of time sitting down or lying down, any areas that are under pressure should be checked regularly to ensure the sores are not developing. Caregivers should check the feet and heels, hips, tailbone, and buttocks for signs of pressure sores.
Patients with limited mobility should also be frequently moved. Caregivers can move patients every couple of hours so that sores are not allowed to develop. There are special beds and chairs available that can help prevent pressure sores by putting extra padding in key areas.
Unfortunately, many nursing homes simply do not provide the level of care needed to prevent pressure sores. When a pressure sore occurs, it can be hard to eliminate and may lead to other health problems, some of them serious. If your mother has been allowed to develop pressure sores, you may want to seek out another nursing facility, as well as speak to an attorney. She may have the legal right to compensation for her injuries. Call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles nursing home attorney at 310-385-0567. My team can help. Call today to schedule a free consultation.