Deciding if and when a loved one should enter a nursing home can be a painful conversation. Sadly, these already emotional situations become tragedies all too often. It’s hard to believe that vulnerable nursing home residents could be neglected and mistreated, but the problem is shockingly common.
Today, as a nursing home lawyer Memphis TN trusts, I want to talk to you about a particular issue at nursing homes: bedsores. Also known as pressure ulcers and decubitus ulcers, bedsores often stem from prolonged pressure on skin. They typically develop over bony parts of the body, like your heels, ankles, hips, and tailbone. People with limited mobility are most susceptible.
Bedsores happen quickly. While treatment helps in most cases, some bedsores never heal entirely. If a nursing home doesn’t respond to their appearance, an elder can face a number of complications. I don’t want to scare you, but in some cases bedsores lead to wrongful death. So that you can take action immediately, here is what to look out for.
–Pressure ulcers develop more when people stay in a single position for long periods of time. Nursing home staff should regularly reposition residents to lower their risk.
–Malnutrition and dehydration are major risk factors.
–Significant weight loss and low body weight are also commonly associated with bedsores.
–Excessively dry or wet skin is more likely to break down. Because of this, incontinence is also a risk.
Talk to a Nursing Home Lawyer Memphis TN Trusts
Few things are more heartbreaking than watching those who cared for us suffer.
Nursing home abuse and neglect happens in my home city of Memphis far more often than you might realize. As a nursing home lawyer Memphis TN has trusted for decades, I’ve seen this prevalent and terrifying problem firsthand. Our lawyers are committed to ending this terrible abuse, and we will fight relentlessly to hold abusers accountable for their actions.
If you suspect your loved one has been neglected or abused in a nursing home or assisted living facility, call us at (901) 327-1212 or contact us here.