Bedsores or pressure ulcers are relatively common among older adults. People with limited mobility may remain in the same position for much of the day. The constant pressure on certain body parts can lead to the development of bedsores or decubitus ulcers. Some bedsore development is a byproduct of age or secondary medical conditions. However, bedsores can also be indicative of negligent care standards at long-term care facilities, like nursing homes.
When does a bedsore cease being a common complication of advanced age and become a warning sign of negligent care?
When the sore progresses to later stages
There are four different stages of bedsore development. The earliest stage simply involves pain and inflammation. Later states are far more serious. Caregivers who routinely interact with older adults can often identify bedsores in the earliest stage of development and prevent them from worsening. Particularly when sores reached the third or fourth stage of development, that may be a sign that workers did not properly monitor an older adult and take appropriate steps to protect them.
When the sores become infected
Once a bedsore breaks the skin, the risk of infection increases dramatically. Older adults who may already have somewhat compromised immune systems may struggle to recover from an infection that begins with a bedsore.
Bedsores can impact an individual’s quality of life. They can generate secondary medical expenses and increase their day-to-day care costs. Worried family members can sometimes hold care facilities accountable for letting minor medical issues develop into major health challenges. Pursuing a nursing home negligence lawsuit can be a way to recover financial losses when bedsores develop unchecked.