Pressure ulcers are injuries caused by unrelieved pressure on the skin. Bony areas like the heels, ankles, hips, and tailbone are particularly susceptible. Pressure ulcers develop quickly and can seriously damage the skin and underlying tissue. They are often difficult to treat, and, in more severe cases, have led to fatalities.

Negligence at nursing homes may play a part in the development of pressure ulcers

Elders do not always receive the care they deserve at nursing homes. If a loved one has suffered from a bedsore because of negligence, a nursing home abuse attorney Memphis has turned to for more than 30 years can help.

If a resident already has pressure ulcers when they enter the nursing home, the staff and care team have a responsibility to fulfill. They must take precautions to ensure that the pressure ulcers do not get worse, because these cases can quickly become more serious.

The unfortunate reality is that these facilities are understaffed. Abuse and neglect at assisted living facilities often stems directly from that understaffing. Many residents with pressure ulcers don’t get the medical treatment or attention they need.

Risk factors for pressure ulcers

Limited mobility almost always plays a role in the development of bedsores. A patient who cannot easily change position is much more likely to suffer from a pressure ulcer. Below are some of the most common risk factors.

  • Immobility from spinal cord injury and other health conditions
  • Lack of sensory perception; an inability to feel pain or discomfort prevents patients from recognizing the warning signs
  • Poor nutrition
  • Already existing health conditions that affect blood flow, like diabetes and vascular disease

Complications

I mentioned that pressure ulcers can be fatal. Those cases almost always involve other health complications. Here are some of the most common.

  • Cellulitis, an infection of the skin and soft tissues that causes swelling and redness in affected areas
  • Bone and joint infections, which can damage cartilage and tissue
  • Cancer
  • Sepsis

Get help from a nursing home abuse attorney Memphis trusts

Elder abuse lawsuits are not uncommon. When searching for an elder abuse lawyer it is important that you choose a firm with experience in the investigation and litigation in nursing home neglect lawsuits.

If you suspect your loved one has been neglected or abused in a nursing home, call us at (901) 327-1212 or contact us online. You can rest assured we want to put an end to this awful abuse.