Bedsores are painful pressure ulcers that can develop when someone is immobile. If they don’t change positions often enough, the consistent pressure on one area of their skin can affect blood flow and capillaries. In some cases, bedsores can even get infected and have fatal ramifications.
If you have a parent who is in a nursing home, you may be concerned that they could develop bedsores. Here are the four stages to keep in mind.
Stage one
In the first stage, the bedsore may be red and slightly warm. Your loved one may say that it itches or burns, but it’s not a clear wound yet.
Stage two
In stage two, an open sore may have developed. It could look like a blister, and there will be notable pain for the individual.
Stage three
In stage three, the bedsore starts to injure tissues below the blister. This can cause it to look something like a crater or an indent.
Stage four
Finally, in stage four, there’s a severe wound. The damage may have extended all the way down into tendons, muscles or even bones. Infection may be a major risk. The pain will be significant and medical treatment may be necessary.
Bedsores often happen because people who live in nursing homes are neglected by their caretakers. These individuals may not have gotten proper assistance changing positions frequently enough. If you think that your loved one was neglected and has suffered significant injuries – or is even at risk of death – as a result, then it’s important for you to understand all of the legal options at your disposal.
