Risk Factors for Bedsores

Risk Factors for Bedsores

Dementia, incontinence, diabetes, and limited mobility caused by physical pain or disability are all risk factors for bedsores.

Bedsores often occur in nursing homes and long-term care situations. They are often an indication of nursing home abuse or neglect and should be reported as such immediately. Our Illinois nursing home abuse lawyer can advise you about your family’s rights and possible next steps.

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What Are Bedsores, and How Do They Form?

When the skin sustains pressure for a prolonged period of time, injuries form on the skin and underlying tissues. These injuries may be called by many names:

• Bedsores
• Pressure sores
• Pressure ulcers
• Decubitus ulcers

Where Do Bedsores Form?

As the Cleveland Clinic explains, bedsores are especially likely to occur on bony areas, such as ankles, hips, and heels. However, they can appear anyplace that has been placed under constant, unrelieved pressure.

What Causes Bedsores in Nursing Homes?

When a nursing home resident develops a bedsore, it is often a sign of neglect. Any or all of the following factors can lead to unnecessary skin breakdown or worsen an existing injury:

Lack of Repositioning

Elderly residents who have difficulty moving are at a higher risk of developing bed sores because they are unable to shift position. Further, moisture that is trapped against or near the skin is not able to properly dry.

In many cases, staff should be on hand to reposition the resident once every two hours. More frequent movement may be necessary in some cases. A resident’s needs can change over time, so staff should regularly reassess their condition and alter treatment accordingly.

Lack of Hygiene and Monitoring

Too much moisture can be bad for the skin. For instance, when skin is too moist for too long, such as from exposure to sweat or urine in bedding material, pressure ulcers can quickly form. It is up to nursing home staff to keep an eye on the resident, bathe and clean them regularly, and ensure clothing and bedding are clean and dry.

Inadequate Nutrition and/or Hydration

If an elderly individual is not properly fed or hydrated, this can have a serious impact on their body’s ability to maintain healthy skin and dermal tissue. A healthy diet with the appropriate balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals will help prevent this. If nursing home staff notices that a resident is not eating or is improperly hydrated, the staff should take immediate action to correct the situation.

Short-Staffing in Nursing Homes

Most, if not all, of the above issues can often be traced back to inadequate staffing. Too many nursing homes fail to hire enough people to care for all of the residents. Some facilities also fail to provide proper training and ensure staff is certified and fairly paid.

When a home’s staff is underpaid, overworked, and unqualified, the odds of a resident being diagnosed with pressure sores increases.

Risk Factors Staff Should Be Aware Of

The following conditions can place a resident at a higher risk of developing bedsores:

1.  Immobilization or Limited Mobility: Those residents who are immobilized or have limited mobility are dependent on others to move them. Examples include residents that are comatose, paraplegic, or have suffered from a spinal cord injury. These particular residents are more vulnerable to developing bedsores than a mobile person.
2.  Arthritic or Injured Residents: Residents who have problems such as arthritis may not want to move themselves, even though they are able, because of the pain associated with the movement of their inflamed joints. The same is true for residents with injuries (e.g., bone fractures) or who have recently undergone surgery.
3.  Diabetic Conditions: One of the major problems associated with diabetes is that diabetic individuals may have no sense of feeling in their feet. If a bedsore begins to develop, the diabetic person may not notice because they are incapable of perceiving indications of pain.
4.  Cognitive Impairments: Residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may not be aware that they have not moved for many hours, or may not realize or remember that they have a bedsore. Similarly, residents with Parkinson’s disease may be unable to move themselves and may require assistance with repositioning.
5.  Incontinence: If, by accident, a resident wets their bed, the wet environment can help promote the formation of bedsores. Skin that is supersaturated with moisture is not able to breathe and dry out, making it more susceptible to tears, degradation, and breakdown.

These are very common risk factors that all nursing homes should know about and be prepared to deal with. If they fail to do so, and if you have a loved one who is suffering from bedsores, please reach out to our lawyer to discuss any concerns you might have about nursing home abuse or neglect.

What Families Can Do About Pressure Ulcers

Common symptoms of bedsores include swelling, changes in the color or temperature of the skin, and pus. If you notice these symptoms, quick action can save your loved one from further pain and potentially fatal complications:

• Alert nursing home staff immediately
• Ask if your loved one has seen a doctor and, if they have, ask the doctor what has been done to address the injury
• Make sure your loved one gets medical attention if they have not seen a doctor yet
• Request to see any documents or plans the home has regarding your loved one’s daily care
• Document your loved one’s injury by taking photos and writing down the names of staff and providers

You can also take legal action to hold the nursing facility accountable for failing to prevent bedsores. Our nursing home abuse attorney can help you do so.

The Rooth Law Firm Can Help With Your Bedsore Case

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