If you have a loved one in a nursing home, you may worry about the quality of care that they are receiving from the skilled nursing staff. While some injuries to residents may be inevitable due to their conditions, there is one indicator that neglect is taking place — the presence of bedsores.
Below is some important information about decubitus ulcers, the medical term for bedsores.
They develop quickly
The initial skin changes that are diagnostic signs of bedsores can occur over hours. That means during an average eight- to 12-hour nursing shift, a resident’s condition can deteriorate markedly. That’s why it’s vital for each shift to accurately chart the skin integrity of each resident under their care. Failing to do so creates conditions for bedsores to worsen or even become life-threatening.
Where they appear
According to the Mayo Clinic, if a resident is bed-bound, the following points of surface contact can develop bedsores:
- Ankles, heels and the skin behind the knees
- Shoulder blades
- Tailbone, hips, lower back
- Back of the head or either side
Conversely, wheelchair-bound residents or patients who spend long hours sitting most often get bedsores on:
- Spine
- Shoulder blades
- Buttocks
- Back of the egs
- Tailbone
Even just a slight increase in skin temperature or redness can be the first indicator that a nursing home resident is developing a bedsore.
What to do if you suspect nursing home neglect?
Document everything. Take photos of any breaches in the resident’s skin integrity or ulceration. Speak to the charge nurse and the patient’s doctor about the situation. If the neglect is ongoing and/or causes a decline in the patient’s condition, you may need to seek recourse through the civil court system.
