Elders with bedsores in Homerville nursing homes may be a sign of neglect or direct abuse. If your loved one has bedsores, they are likely not being repositioned enough throughout the day.
The experienced nursing home abuse attorneys at Helms Law Firm are here to help. We have assisted many families like yours, and we look forward to helping your family find justice and collect the compensation your loved one is owed for this neglect. Contact us today to book a consultation.
Bedsores, also called pressure or decubitus ulcers, occur when a person remains in the same position for an extended period. Some nursing home residents complain that bedsores are painful. Others may not notice them as much, which may be due to the effects of pain management medications.
Usually, bedsores appear on pressure points, such as the heels, legs, back, and elbows of a person who spends extensive time in a bed or wheelchair. They start as red, irritated areas of skin that may resemble a rash. As time passes, blood flow to the area is restricted, and the layers of skin become more damaged. As more time goes by, the damage could affect not only the muscles but also the bones beneath the affected area.
These injuries often become debilitating and lead to life-threatening infections. Families and care providers of elders in Homerville nursing homes should take them seriously.
Bedsores may be prevented through frequent repositioning and exercise that encourages a resident to stand up and move about. Once a person has bedsores on their skin, nursing home staff need to act. To take care of senior residents, they should:
In short, bedsores are both preventable and treatable. When a Homerville family discovers their loved one is suffering from bedsores, they should speak to management at the facility and contact an lawyer right away. This is likely a sign of neglect or negligence on the part of the nursing home.
In legal terms, negligence refers to a failure to behave reasonably and responsibly. A nursing home could be sued for negligence for not providing proper care to its residents.
Nursing home staff in Homerville are well aware of bedsores and how they happen. They know how to prevent and treat them. Therefore, the failure to do so could be considered abuse and legal negligence.
If possible, families should call and visit their loved ones at the retirement home often. These check-ins may help ensure nursing home staff are being vigilant in their care. When visiting, families should check their loved ones for bedsores, especially on their heels, elbows, and other areas of pressure.
If your family member has these painful injuries, it is time to call a lawyer familiar with bedsores in Homerville nursing homes. At Helms Law Firm, we are ready to assist you. We have extensive experience with these cases and could help you get your loved one to safety and collect the compensation they are owed for this pain and suffering.
