Pressure Sores (also known bedsores and decubitus ulcers) are a serious problem facing the elderly population, especially those living in nursing homes. In fact, an article in the National Institutes of Health’s cites a study that says the prevalence of bedsores among elderly people residing in nursing homes admitted to a hospital emergency room was 26.2%

Bedsores on the Heel of the Foot

Pressure ulcers are areas of tissue and skin destruction caused by pressure and friction. They usually develop over bony prominence like the heels, ankle, sacrum/lower back/tailbone, back of the head, hips elbows and shoulder blades. The cells in the skin die when they are deprived of blood. Blood supply is interrupted when skin is compressed between bone and an exterior surface like a bed, pillow or wheel chair for an extended period of time.

The heels that are very susceptible to developing pressure sores. Often times bedridden nursing home residents are forced to lie on their backs in their beds for extended periods of time. As a result, the heels of their feet constantly rub up against their bed sheets and mattress. This creates friction which, over an extended period of time, can significantly reduce blood flow to the heels causing skin cell death which causes the skin to rot and develop flesh wounds which are susceptible to infection.

The people most at risk of developing bedsores are those with limited mobility, a condition many nursing home residents face. Mobility can be limited by medical conditions and by lack of proper attention from nursing home staff.

Bedsores are classified into four stages, with Stage I being the initial bedsore and Stage IV being the most advanced bedsore. Once these sores develop, they can progress rapidly between stages and therefore it is essential that they are attended to promptly and properly. Advanced stage bedsores can lead to several other problems like:

How are Bedsores a Sign of Neglect?

Bedsores are often indicative of nursing home neglect. Generally, when they do appear it is a result of pressure on bony areas of the body for a long period of time. Many times, when a patient develops bedsores it is because he or she has been left to lie or sit in the same position for an extended period of time without the ability to relieve pressure on the site of the sore. Once a bedsore begins to appear, the Mayo Clinic notes that it is essential to relieve pressure on that area and check for improvement between 24 and 48 hours. If none is noted, it is necessary to see a doctor. If signs of infection are present, which can include symptoms that seem unrelated to the bedsore like fever or increased heat and redness in the skin surrounding the sore, it is necessary to seek immediate medical treatment.

Unfortunately, many nursing homes are not properly staffed to care for patients. When patients suffer from lack of care and proper attention the nursing home facility in which they reside could be liable for the injuries. If your loved one has developed a bedsore that could be a result of nursing home neglect contact our nursing home abuse attorneys.

What Can You Do if You Have a Pressure Sore Due to Medical Neglect?  Contact a Lawyer Immediately.

Sometimes a nursing home is liable for your loved one’s injuries and their resulting complications, including death. When a nursing home neglects patient needs, including their medical needs related to bedsores, they may have committed a type of medical malpractice for which you can seek compensation. If you believe your loved one has died because of complications related to bedsores or other forms of nursing home neglect, nursing home neglect lawyers today for a free consultation.

We offer a free, no-obligation legal consultation to help you understand your rights and the value of your case. Our personal injury law firm takes cases involving elder abuse and neglect. We offer legal service to clients in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.

Massachusetts Attorneys for Nursing Home Neglect Resulting in Bedsores and Pressure Sores. Free Consultation. No fee if no recovery.