Older adults deserve exceptional treatment at their nursing home facility. Sadly, some places neglect the legal duty of care they have towards residents. According to a recent report, nearly 150,000 Californians live in unlicensed assisted living facilities, putting them at substantial risk of severe injury or death.
If your loved one lives in a facility like this, it’s not always easy to tell if they’re victims of abuse. However, bedsores could be an early indicator of potential negligence.
What are bedsores?
Also known as pressure ulcers, bedsores are injuries that stem from prolonged pressure to the skin. As many nursing home residents are too weak to reposition themselves in bed or when sitting in a chair, they often rely on staff to do it for them. But when staff neglect these obligations, these ulcers can develop over days, even hours. If left untreated for a prolonged period, these injuries could become deadly for some seniors.
Warning signs of bedsores
Bedsores can occur in many places on the body, including on a person’s buttocks, shoulders, arms or legs. They can also vary in terms of severity. For instance, some bedsores may only result in mild tissue damage, while others can penetrate the skin down to a person’s muscles and bones. According to Mayo Clinic, your elderly loved one may have bedsores if:
- Their skin displays abnormal color or texture
- The affected area has substantial swelling
- The affected area feels warmer or colder than other parts of the body
- The affected area feels tender
- They experience pus-like draining
It’s best to seek medical help sooner rather than later
If you notice your loved one is suffering from bedsores, it’s best to contact medical professionals right away. After getting them the treatment they need, you’ll likely want to hold your loved one’s nursing home accountable for their actions. Luckily, your elderly loved one can get the justice they deserve with the help of a trusted legal partner.
