Residents in long-term care facilities sometimes have mobility issues that can lead to needing to use wheelchairs or becoming completely bedridden. When those occur, it’s critical that the staff members ensure that they’re providing the residents with the mobility assistance they need.
When patients aren’t transferred properly or don’t have proper position adjustments, they may develop pressure ulcers. These injuries usually form in areas where bones are close to the skin, which include the tailbone, the back of the head, ankles, hips, heels, elbows, and shoulder blades. Understanding a bit about pressure ulcers is critical for anyone who has a loved one in a long-term care facility.
What are the signs of pressure ulcers?
Pressure ulcers, which are sometimes called bedsores, often begin as a patch of irritated or discolored skin. If they’re left untreated, they can become deep wounds that are difficult to treat, and they are also painful to live with.
One reason why anyone who has a loved one in a long-term care facility should be vigilant about pressure sores is that they can worsen quickly. The resident may complain about tenderness in a specific area. That can lead to changes in in skin color, swelling or warmth at the site of the developing sore.
The appearance of a pressure ulcer isn’t always indicative of the severity of the sore. Damage can extend below the skin to fat, muscle and bone, which is a significant infection risk. Immediate treatment, often with antibiotics and wound dressings, is critical.
Pressure sores can be a sign of widespread negligence or malpractice in a long-term care facility. Taking legal action in these cases may be beneficial, particularly if the resident has suffered any damages, including those that are financial. Working with someone familiar with these matters is beneficial since these cases can be complex.