Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, can be a serious issue for people who are bedridden or have limited mobility. If your loved one is in a nursing home and has developed bedsores, you might feel worried and wonder if this means he or she is not receiving the care he or she needs. If you believe neglect or abuse is to blame for your loved one developing bedsores, consult a lawyer who works in cases dealing with nursing home neglect.
Understanding Bedsores
When someone is in a nursing home, the staff is supposed to take good care of them, which includes preventing bedsores. Bedsores happen when there is too much pressure on one area of the skin for too long, leading to very painful wounds. This can occur if a person is not moved or repositioned often enough. Proper hygiene and nutrition also play important roles in preventing bedsores.
Signs of Potential Neglect
Nursing homes are supposed to regularly change a bedridden person’s position and ensure their skin is clean and dry to prevent bedsores. If your loved one has developed bedsores, it may be a sign that the staff is not doing their job properly. This could be due to neglect, which means not giving someone the care or attention he or she needs.
Here are a few signs that might indicate neglect in a nursing home:
- Frequent bedsores – If bedsores keep appearing, the staff might not reposition residents often enough.
- Bad hygiene – If the nursing home is failing to keep residents clean, this can cause skin problems like bedsores.
- Malnutrition or dehydration – Proper nutrition and hydration are important to prevent and heal bedsores.
- Lack of staffing – If there are not enough staff members to quickly respond to residents’ needs, neglect could occur.
Take Action if You Notice Bedsores on Your Loved One
If you suspect neglect, it is essential to act quickly. Start by speaking to the nursing home staff or manager about your concerns. If the problem is not solved, you can report the issue to state authorities and reach out to a legal professional. Contacting an attorney with experience in elder care and nursing home neglect can be greatly beneficial. Your lawyer will provide advice tailored to your situation and help you understand your loved one’s rights.
Contact Our Peoria, IL Nursing Home Neglect Attorney
While bedsores might seem like a minor issue at first, they can be a sign that something is seriously wrong. Your loved one deserves to live in an environment where they are treated with dignity and respect, receiving the appropriate care to maintain their health and well-being. If your loved one is suffering from bedsores and you believe neglect or abuse is to blame, the experienced Peoria County, IL nursing home neglect lawyers at Nursing Home Injury Center can help. Call 309-524-6900 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
