Many people experience a decline in their memory and also in their physical strength later in life. In addition, spinal compression as someone ages might also mean that they become shorter and that their center of gravity moves because they hunch forward. Infections like pneumonia tend to have much worse consequences for older adults and people over retirement age are more likely to break a bone and to have a harder time recovering from a fracture.
Yet, these are just a few of the medical conditions that are frequently associated with age. For example, most people mentally associate bedsores with older adults who cannot get out of bed without help anymore. They may think of bedsores as a natural byproduct of reduced mobility. Bedsores or pressure ulcers are painful sections of inflamed skin that develop due to constant pressure.
Healthcare professionals can prevent most bedsores
Someone does not spontaneously develop an open, weeping bedsore with inflamed, possibly infected tissue in a matter of hours. Severe bedsores typically take several days, if not weeks, to develop after the initial wound appears, and infection only develops when someone does not receive proper support and cleaning.
It can take as little as two to three hours for bedsores to begin developing, which is why frequent rotation or cushioning changes are necessary for those with limited mobility. Staff members at nursing homes can prevent the vast majority of bedsores by checking on residents frequently and supporting them as they reposition themselves. They can also inspect residents to spot warning signs of bedsores to treat and monitor so that they do not worsen.
Severe bedsores are often a sign of neglect
Frequent interaction with individual residents, proper cleaning habits and treatment when someone begins developing a bedsore are all ways for facilities to limit the risk for residents. When nursing homes or the people working there failed to put the needs of residents first, people may develop debilitating medical conditions that affect their quality of life and treatment costs.
Fighting back against nursing home negligence may lead to a lawsuit in some cases, but legal action may be necessary if someone wants to change the practices at a facility where a loved one suffered unnecessary harm caused by extensive or infected bedsores. Speaking with an experienced legal professional can help loved ones to better understand their options and opportunities for compensation.
