Pressure Wounds / Bedsores: A Critical Issue in Nursing Homes

Commonly known as bedsores, pressure wounds are severe injuries that go beyond minor surface damage. These wounds can cause deep tissue damage, leading to extreme pain and potentially deadly infections.

The Impact of Pressure Wounds

Nursing home residents who do not receive appropriate care and attention are at high risk of developing pressure wounds. At The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, PC, LLO, we often encounter cases where overworked staff at understaffed nursing homes fail to prevent or adequately treat these wounds, resulting in irreversible damage.

Our firm is dedicated to holding understaffed nursing homes accountable for the pain and suffering their neglect causes. While no compensation can fully heal these injuries, legal action can provide a sense of justice and drive policy changes to prevent future harm.

Understanding Pressure Wounds

Pressure wounds, also known as pressure ulcers or pressure injuries, occur when continuous pressure disrupts blood flow, causing the skin and underlying tissues to break down leading to skin death. These wounds typically develop over bony areas where the body rests against a surface for extended periods, such as:

• Sacrum (tailbone)
• Heels
• Trochanter (hip bone)
• Ischium (sitting bone)
• Ears
• Inner knees

Individuals confined to bed or with limited mobility, such as those with spinal cord injuries or decreased blood flow, are particularly vulnerable. Poor nutrition and inadequate hygiene can also contribute to the development of pressure wounds.

Nursing staff are responsible for assessing patients’ risk factors and implementing preventative measures, such a repositioning at-risk residents every two hours. However, insufficient staffing or lack of proper training often means these residents do not receive the necessary care.

Four Stages of Pressure Wounds

Pressure wounds are classified into four stages based on severity:

1. Stage One: The skin is intact but may hurt, itch, or burn.
2. Stage Two: A blister or sore develops, and the site becomes painful.
3. Stage Three: The damage extends below the skin’s surface, forming a crater.
4. Stage Four: The wound is a large open ulcer, with damage reaching muscles, tendons, and bones.

Complications can arise at any stage, but they are particularly severe and common at stages three and four.

Infections and Other Complications

Complications from pressure wounds can be life-threatening and include:

• Cellulitis
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Necrotizing fasciitis
• Gas gangrene
• Septicemia

When pressure wounds progress to advanced stages or develop complications, drastic measures like vacuum-assisted closure or flap surgery may be necessary. These treatments often indicate severe wounds that should have been prevented or addressed earlier.

Causes of Pressure Wounds

Pressure wounds result from prolonged pressure that disrupts blood flow, typically where a bony area rests against a surface. Patients who cannot move easily must be repositioned regularly to prevent these injuries. Equipment like Clinitron beds and careful repositioning with pillows every two hours can help, but many nursing homes do not invest in such measures. Regular inspection for early signs of pressure wounds is crucial, but undertrained or overworked staff often fail to perform these preventative actions.

Taking Pressure Wounds Seriously

Referring to pressure wounds as “bedsores” downplays their severity and suggests they are inevitable. However, these wounds are preventable and treatable. When left untreated, residents suffer from painful, debilitating complications that can lead to premature death.

If you notice signs of a pressure wound on a loved one, it is essential to act quickly. Our team can help you identify whether your loved one is the victim of neglect and help you demand proper treatment. If necessary, we can pursue legal action to ensure justice and prevent others from suffering similar pain and neglect.

Contact Nebraska’s Leading Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Law Firm

The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, powered by Reed Law Offices, PC, LLO, according to our research, is the only one in Nebraska exclusively dedicated to handling nursing home abuse and neglect cases. We understand the devastating impact of pressure wounds and how often nursing homes dismiss family concerns. If you see signs of pressure wounds or other dangers in a nursing home, contact us for a free consultation. We are here to help you seek justice and ensure proper care for your loved ones.

For a complimentary consultation, contact our team today.