Negligent in Nursing Homes: How to Prevent Pressure Sores
One of the most common problems in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers are pressure sores and bedsores. With the proper care and treatment of a nursing home staff, residents should not get pressure sores or bedsores. In fact, some Medicaid guidelines even club pressure sores and bedsores as “never events.” This means that pressure sores should not occur with the proper care in treatment that a resident is entitled to under Oregon law. Unfortunately, far too many pressure sores and bedsores still occur in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The ways to prevent pressure sores are rather easy and do not require extensive medical training or a medical degree to know. Unfortunately, our Oregon nursing home abuse lawyers know that pressure sores and bedsores are still used problems in Oregon.
What is a Pressure Sore or Bedsore?
A pressure sore is a type of skin wounds that occurs due to excessive pressure, force, or friction on the skin for a prolonged period of time. Elderly people are more likely to develop pressure sores because of a thinner layer of fat under their skin and due to frailer skin. There are different stages of pressure sores each range from skin the irritation and redness to deep wounds that cause necrosis, infection, and possibly sepsis. Pressure sores require immediate medical attention and could result in the wrongful death of a resident.
How Nursing Homes Should Prevent Pressure Sores
There are three main ways to prevent residents in a nursing home from developing pressure sores. Each of these ways focuses on the importance of prevention rather than reaction to a pressure sore. Each of these ways is also rather simple to handle.
First, good nutrition and hydration is essential for protecting elderly residents from pressure sores and the effects of infection. This is because well-hydrated individuals have more elastic skin which can deflect and tolerate pressure and friction better. Adequate food and nutrition also creates a line of defense against pressure sores and the effects of infection.
Second, rotating residents in their bed or wheelchair or forcing residents in beds or wheelchairs to stand up and walk around, sit up, or even just stand up and sit back down can help prevent pressure sores. This is what is supposed to happen in a nursing home. Staff is suppose to check residents who are bed bound or who are wheelchair bound to ensure they are not developing pressure sores. It is rather simple to do but unfortunately can be a burden on staff, especially nursing homes that are understaffed.
Third, using better beds, wheelchairs, and other padding to prevent pressure sores. There are specially designed beds and wheelchairs which are meant to prevent against the possible harm of pressure sores and unnecessary friction. While most nursing homes and hospitals have the special beds and chairs, some nursing homes and hospitals cut corners and do not use these devices because they are more expensive.
Residents in Oregon Nursing Homes Should Call Us For Help
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of nursing home abuse or neglect contact the Oregon Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form. We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.
Our law firm handles cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Sisters, Madras, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, La Grande, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, Cottage Grove, Florence, Oregon City, Springfield, Keizer, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Tualatin, West Linn, Forest Grove, Wilsonville, Newberg, Roseburg, Lake Oswego, Klamath Falls, Happy Valley, Tigard, Ashland, Milwakie, Coos Bay, The Dalles, St. Helens, Sherwood, Central Point, Canby, Troutdale, Hermiston, Silverton, Hood River, Newport, Prineville, Astoria, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Hillsboro, and Vancouver, Washington.
We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take Nursing Home Abuse cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.
Please act quickly, there is a limited time (Statute of Limitations) in which you can bring a claim under the law.
