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Elder Abuse & Nursing Home Neglect
Pressure Sores Are a Clear Sign of Neglect
Pressure Sores, also known as bed sores or decubitus ulcers, are unfortunately a common occurrence at Philadelphia / Pennsylvania and New Jersey nursing homes and other long term care facilities; however, they are also almost always preventable and are often a clear sign of nursing home neglect.
Defining Pressure Sores
Pressure sores are pressure-induced skin wounds. Pressure sores begin as minor, relatively harmless skin abrasion but, without proper care and treatment, the minor abrasion has the potential of developing into massive, infected wound that can deteriorate skin, tissue, and muscle. Severe wounds create a tunnel that reaches underlying bone, inflicting severe pain and in many cases causing death.
Causes of Pressure Sores
Pressure sores are named as such because they are caused by pressure. When an individual is left for a prolonged period of time in one position, continuous pressure is in placed on skin. This pressure over time wears out the skin and an abrasion develops. Pressure sores commonly develop on the following areas:
- Sacrum
- Buttocks
- Back
- Heels
- Feet
- Shoulder Blades
- Elbows
Pressure Sores are Preventable
Pressure sores are almost always preventable. The medical community recognize pressure sores as “never events.” For individuals at risk of developing pressure sores, it is important that the at-risk area be kept free of continuous pressure. This will prevent pressure ulcer development. In those instances when a pressure sore does develop, proper treatment and care including frequent turning in bed and repositioning in a wheelchair will limit the severity of the wound.
Pressure Sores and Malnutrition, Dehydration and Poor Hygiene
Although unrelieved pressure is the initial and main cause of pressure sores, malnutrition, dehydration and poor hygiene can also be a substantial factor in contributing to the development and/or the deterioration of a pressure sores. Accordingly, making certain an individual is regularly and properly fed, hydrated and cleaned is very important in avoiding pressure sores and healing those that have developed.
Discovering a Pressure Sore
If you’ve just discovered a pressure sore, immediately contact nursing home abuse attorney, Brian P. Murphy, for a free consultation. Pressure sores, bed sores, and decubitus ulcers can deteriorate rapidly and become life threatening. As an experienced nursing home abuse attorney, Mr. Murphy knows precisely what actions need to be taken next to address your loved one’s concerns.
Short-Staffed Nursing Homes and Pressure Ulcer Development
Pressure sores result from neglect. Nursing home neglect occurs in many Pennsylvania and New Jersey nursing homes because nursing home owners cut staffing levels to increase facility profits. Such actions often lead to serious care provider shortages resulting in higher incidents of nursing home abuse and neglect. Attorney Murphy has deposed many nursing home care providers over the years who often testified that they simply did not have the time to provide sufficient care to individuals with pressure ulcers.
Due to short staffing, it is typical to find residents with pressure ulcers, bed sores, and decubitus ulcers going hours without being turned or repositioned. It is also not uncommon to find that these same residents are not being fed or bathed regularly. These conditions exist not because the nursing staff does not care, but because of the intentional short staffing; the nursing staff find it impossible to meet the needs of their resident.
Basic Care for Pressure Sores
In order to prevent pressure sores, bed sores, and decubitus ulcers, basic, fundamental care must be provided. An individual who is at risk of developing a pressure sore must be turned and repositioned at least every two hours. The individual must also be kept clean, especially in the area(s) of any wounds. Nutrition is needed to heal the wounds and proper hydration is also required. When a pressure sore develops and deteriorates, it is often found that this basic, fundamental care was not provided.
You Need an Experienced Nursing Home Abuse / Neglect Attorney
An experienced nursing home abuse / neglect attorney such as Brian P. Murphy regularly litigates pressure sore cases. Mr. Murphy understands why they develop and can quickly determine for you if your loved one’s pressure sore was the result of nursing home neglect.
If you suspect your loved one may be suffering from a pressure sore that could have been prevented, contact nursing home lawyer, Brian P. Murphy. He will provide you a free, one-on-one consultation to discuss your matter.
Visit Mr. Murphy’s testimonials’ page and see what his former clients have to say.
* Nothing on this website is to be construed as attorney advice or otherwise creating an attorney-client relationship.
