Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers, are a painful and often avoidable injury that can result from neglect or abuse in nursing homes. When a nursing home fails to provide adequate care, these sores can develop, leading to severe health complications for residents. In Missouri, especially in the Greater Kansas City area, nursing home residents are entitled to a high standard of care, and any signs of negligence should be addressed immediately.
At Noland Law Firm, we are committed to holding nursing homes accountable for neglect that leads to bed sores and other injuries. Our experienced attorneys represent families throughout Kansas City, ensuring that loved ones receive the compensation and justice they deserve.
If your loved one has suffered from bed sores due to nursing home neglect, our team is here to help you take action against the responsible parties and prevent future harm.
What are bed sores?
Bed sores, or pressure ulcers, often develop in nursing home residents when prolonged pressure is applied to certain parts of the body without relief. Common areas affected include the tailbone, heels, hips, and buttocks. Residents confined to wheelchairs may also experience bed sores on their elbows, shoulders, and the backs of their knees due to constant pressure from sitting.
Nursing home neglect is a leading cause of bed sores, as caregivers must reposition immobile residents regularly to prevent these painful injuries. Early detection is key as most bed sores caught in Stage 1 or 2 can be treated and reversed. Families should monitor their loved ones closely, especially in high-risk areas like the tailbone and hips, to ensure proper care and avoid the devastating effects of untreated bed sores.
What causes bed sores in nursing home neglect cases?
Bed sores in nursing home neglect cases are primarily caused by prolonged pressure that restricts blood flow to the skin. This often happens when residents with limited mobility are not regularly repositioned and remain in the same position for extended periods.
According to the Mayo Clinic’s resource for bed sores / pressure ulcers[i], there are a number factors that can contribute to the development of bed sores:
Friction
When the skin is dragged against a surface, such as during improper repositioning.
Pressure
When pressure on the skin exceeds the pressure inside blood vessels, leading to tissue damage.
Shear
When the skin moves in one direction, but underlying tissues and bones stay in place, causing damage.
Immobility
Individuals who are bedridden or have limited mobility may remain in one position for extended periods, leading to prolonged pressure on certain areas.
Moisture
Excessive moisture from sweat, urine, or feces can soften the skin, making it more vulnerable to damage.
Poor Nutrition and Hydration
Malnutrition and dehydration weaken the skin and impair its ability to heal. Inadequate nutrition can make individuals more susceptible to bedsores and slow down recovery.
Reduced Sensation or sensory perception
Conditions like diabetes or spinal cord injuries can impair sensation, making individuals less aware of pressure or discomfort on their skin. Not being aware of the pain caused by bedsores can lead to worsening of the affected area before noticing their presence.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as vascular disease, diabetes, or neurological disorders, compromise blood flow and skin integrity, making it easier for bedsores to develop and harder for them to heal.
What are the stages of bedsore development?
Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, progress through four stages of severity, according to Healthline[ii]. Early detection and proper care are crucial to prevent them from worsening. Below is an overview of the stages:
Stage 1 Bedsores
- Stage 1 bedsores are the least severe and can often be treated effectively if caught early.
- Symptoms: bedsores will appear as pink or reddish areas on lighter skin & blue or purple in color on darker skin. Affected areas may feel warmer & firmer than surrounding tissue and cause mild burning or itching. The skin will appear to be intact with no breaks.
- Treatment: Relieve pressure from the area and monitor for further changes. Early intervention can prevent progression. It is important to keep the affected area clean and dry to reduce skin damage.
Stage 2 Bedsores
At Stage 2, bedsores break the surface level of the skin, resembling a blister or shallow wound.
- Symptoms: May appear as a blister or shallow crater with clear or yellow fluid. There may also be swollen & sore tissue and possible drainage or pus.
- Treatment: Like stage 1, relieve pressure from the area around the wound and apply special dressings keeping the wound dry and clean. It is important to seek medical attention to avoid further infection and possible worsening in any pain that may have developed.
Stage 3 Bedsores
Bedsores in stage 3 penetrate deeper into the skin, affecting the fatty tissue below the top two layers of skin.
- Symptoms: The bedsore will now resemble a deep crater or a hole in the skin, often with a foul odor, pus, and discolored or blackened tissue around the sore.
- Treatment: Immediate medical evaluation is needed. Treatment may involve antibiotics, surgical removal of dead tissue, or specialized bedding designed to relieve pressure on the affected area.
Stage 4 Bedsores
This is the most severe stage, where the sore have extended beyond the surface tissue and into muscles or bones.
- Symptoms: Symptoms can appear as large, deep wounds with possible exposed muscle or bone, dead tissue, and a foul odor and pus. The surrounding skin may appear dead, with darkened or blackened tissue.
- Treatment: Stage 4 bedsores will require urgent hospital care. Surgery, including skin grafts and antibiotics are often necessary to prevent life-threatening complications.
Catching bedsores early can make a significant difference in recovery outcomes, but untreated bedsores can quickly escalate in severity, leading to serious health risks.
What to do if a Loved one suffers bedsores at a nursing home facility?
If your loved one suffers from bedsores at a nursing home, it may be a sign of neglect, and it is important to take immediate action. Start by seeking medical care to address the bedsores and prevent further harm. From there, consult with a legal professional to explore your options for holding the facility accountable.
Reporting Bedsores & elder abuse in Missouri
Families who place their elderly relatives in nursing homes should be able to entrust their loved ones to their caregivers.
If there are any signs of abuse or neglect, witnesses or victims should report this as soon as possible. In Missouri, you can use the Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline’s online reporting system, which is open 24/7 365 days a year or call (800) 392-0210.
Anyone can report suspected elder abuse in Missouri. Try to include as much detailed information as possible to facilitate an investigation—including names, addresses, descriptions of abuse, and any evidence—or seek legal assistance.
Contact Noland Law Firm Today
At Noland Law Firm, we are committed to helping families in the Greater Kansas City area fight for justice and compensation when their loved ones suffer from nursing home neglect.
Our experienced legal team will investigate the cause of the bedsores, gather crucial evidence, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation your family deserves. Contact Noland Law Firm today for a free consultation and let us help you seek justice for your loved one. Call us at (816) 781-5055 or contact us directly online.
[i] Mervis, J. and Phillips, T. (2024) Bedsores (pressure ulcers), Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bed-sores/symptoms-causes/syc-20355893 (Accessed: 17 October 2024).
[ii] Anthony, K. (2023) Stages of pressure ulcers: Stages, treatments, and more, Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/stages-of-pressure-ulcers#stages-and-treatment (Accessed: 17 October 2024).