What To Do If Your Parent Develops Bed Sores While In A Nursing Home
Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are a common problem for patients in nursing homes. These sores can be painful, debilitating, and, in severe cases, even life-threatening. If your parent or loved one is in a nursing home and has developed bed sores, it is important to take immediate action to ensure that they receive the care they need.
What are Bed Sores?
Bed sores are places on the skin where the skin and tissue are damaged from being exposed to pressure for a long time. They most commonly occur in areas where bones are close to the skin, such as the hips, back, and heels. Patients who are immobile or spend a lot of time in bed or a wheelchair are at a higher risk of developing bed sores. Other risk factors include malnutrition, dehydration, incontinence, or hygiene neglect.
Bed sores can range in severity from minor skin irritation to deep wounds that expose muscle and bone. In severe cases, bed sores can lead to infection, sepsis, and even death. If you notice that your parent has developed bed sores, it is important to take action right away.
Here are some steps you can take:
1. Get Medical Attention
The first step is to make sure your parent receives medical attention. Bed sores can be difficult to treat, and your parent may need specialized care from a wound care specialist or other healthcare provider.
2. Notify the Nursing Home
You should also notify the nursing home staff right away about the bed sores and ask them to treat your parent’s bed sores with the appropriate medicine. The nursing home has a duty to provide appropriate care to its residents, and they should be aware of any health concerns. If the staff doesn’t help or refuses to take action, escalate the issue to the nursing home administrator or owner.
3. Request a Care Plan
Ask the nursing home staff to provide you with a care plan for your parent’s bed sores. The care plan should include details about how the sores will be treated, how often they will be monitored, and what steps will be taken to prevent new sores from developing.
4. Consult with a Medical Professional
Consult with a medical professional, such as your parent’s primary care physician or a wound care specialist, to get a second opinion on the treatment plan and to ensure that your parent is receiving the best possible care.
5. Document Everything
Document the bed sores as soon as you become aware of them. Take photos of the affected areas and make a note of the location, size, and severity of the sores. This documentation can be important evidence if you decide to pursue legal action against the nursing home for your nursing home neglect case.
6. Contact an Attorney
If you believe that your parent’s bed sores are a result of nursing home negligence or abuse, you should contact an experienced attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of filing a claim or lawsuit.
What Are Your Legal Rights?
If your parent’s bed sores are the result of nursing home negligence or abuse, you may have legal options. The nursing home has a duty to provide appropriate care to its residents, and if they fail to do so, they may be liable for any harm caused. You might be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other kinds of damages. An experienced attorney can help you evaluate your legal rights and options.
Do You Suspect Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse? Contact Sugarman Law Today For a Free Consultation
Seniors in nursing homes and other care facilities deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Nursing home staff need to make sure that residents are safe and secure at all times. Bed sores are a serious issue for nursing home residents, and it is important to take action if your parent develops them. If your loved one suffered an injury, or worse, due to nursing home negligence or abuse in New Jersey, contact Sugarman Law today. Our team has decades of experience fighting for the rights of nursing home residents and their families, and we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
We’ll fight for your loved ones’ rights and help you get justice. At Sugarman Law, we represent clients throughout New Jersey, including East Orange, Vineland, New Brunswick, and Union City. Call (866) 657-5660 or fill out the online contact form. We have an office conveniently located at 80 East Main St., Somerville, New Jersey 08876, as well as an office in Marlton, New Jersey. Contact us today for a free consultation so we can help you understand your legal rights and options.
