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Pennsylvania Nursing Homes - Bed Sores
Nursing Home Residents who are confined to a bed or wheelchair are at risk of developing Pressure sores, commonly known as Bed Sores. Pressure sores develop when a person stays in one position for a long period without moving. This causes skin to break down and a wound to develop. A pressure sore can also form if an area of skin is wet for a prolonged period. The severity of bedsores depends on the area where they develop and whether or not an infection develops. Damage can range from skin that is discolored to wounds that are so deep that muscle and bone are exposed.
Where on the body do bedsores commonly occur? When someone is confined to their bed, pressure sores can develop on the lower back below the waist, the hip bone and heels. If an individual is confined to a wheelchair, the place where sores develop varies on the sitting position. In individuals who spend a majority of time in a chair or wheelchair, where sore develop depends on the sitting position. Bed sores can develop on the knees, ankles, shoulder blades, back of the head and spine, or wherever bones cause the greatest pressure on the skin. It is important that bed sores are properly cleaned in order to prevent infection. If you are concerned that you or someone you love has bed sores that pose a health danger, call to speak to one of our experienced Elder Abuse Lawyers.
Pennsylvania Nursing Homes are required by law to make sure that residents do not develop pressure sores. If a resident does develop a pressure sore, Federal law requires that the Nursing Home treat the sores so that they do not becoming infected. (42 CFR ยง483.25)
Precautions that can prevent Pressure Sores:
- Skin should remain dry at all times. If a patient is incontinent, caretakers should change them on a regular basis so that skin is not in contact with urine.
- Bedridden individuals should be moved every two hours.
- When an individual is sleeping, their heels should be kept off the bed by placing a pillow under the lower calves. The pillow should never be placed under the knees because this can reduce blood flow to the leg.
- Wheelchair bound residents should change position every fifteen minutes
- If an individual is not allowed to move themselves, a caretaker must move them into a new position every hour.
- Nursing home aides must check each patient every day to make sure there are no red areas of skin.
- Call our Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys if you are worried that you or a loved one are not receiving proper medical care to prevent bed sores.
