Can Bedsores Be Prevented in Virginia Nursing Homes?

Bedsores may sound like a minor inconvenience, but they are often very serious. These injuries frequently impact individuals living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. In many cases, bedsores, also referred to as pressure ulcers, pressure sores and decubitus ulcers, can be prevented.

How bedsores can develop

If you have a loved one living in a Virginia nursing home, you need to become familiar with bedsores and how they develop. These sores tend to occur when there is unrelieved pressure and/or restricted blood flow. Bedsores have also been linked to friction, when the skin rubs against another object, even something as soft as a bed sheet. The areas of the body that lack cushion from muscle or fat, such as the tailbone, shoulder blades or elbows, are especially vulnerable. 

Bedsores can be avoided

When an elderly loved one is immobile and is forced to rely on the assistance of a nursing home or other facility, the risk of bedsores is high.  It is crucial that certain measures be taken by the nursing staff to prevent pressure sores, including:

• Turning the patient on a regular basis
• Ensuring proper nutrition and hydration of the patient
• Helping the patient maintain good hygiene
• Removing pressure to avoid further injury

Steps also need to be taken to improve healing and avoid infection. For example, the affected area must be kept clean and dead tissue needs to be removed.

If you believe your loved one suffered a bedsore due to abuse or neglect, you need to speak with an experienced Virginia nursing home abuse attorney. For more information, contact our office at 703.584.7277.