3 Bedsore Prevention Methods Nursing Home Should be Following
While bedsores certainly look unpleasant, it’s important to realize they can also be incredibly dangerous, making their prevention incredibly vital. Nursing home residents are at great risk of bedsores due to their age as well as various medical conditions they may be experiencing, making this a matter of particular concern for all those caring for these individuals.
Unfortunately, individuals in nursing homes with bedsores happen far too often, leading to a need for a bedsore lawyer in Brooklyn, NY or wherever the individual is located to take on their case and ensure they get the compensation they deserve. This is because bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are typically a sign of negligence and can often be a sign of much greater abuse and neglect. Here, we’ll discuss three prevention methods all nursing homes should be following to ensure their residents do not end up with bedsores.
1. Repositioning and Adequate Cushioning
As already mentioned, bedsores are also called “pressure ulcers.” This alludes to how a bedsore forms, developing when blood supply is cut off to the skin for more than two to three hours and the skin begins to die, something that can easily occur when an individual is left in a position unable to move for too long. Nursing home residents are often immobile and need assistance moving, which is why bedsores easily form on their bodies, especially if they do not have good cushioning beneath them. If you notice bedsores on your loved one’s body, a NY bedsore attorney can help determine whether it is a sign of greater neglect.
2. Ensure the Individual’s Skin is Getting Proper Care
Hygiene is of utmost importance for all individuals, including those in nursing homes. When an individual cannot bathe themself, nursing home staff must ensure they are getting proper hygiene care. This includes ensuring they are getting bathed regularly and their skin is being cleaned regularly. The staff needs to be certain their skin is free from moisture and, in instances where individuals suffer from incontinence issues, the individual is free from fecal matter and urine. All of these issues can not only lead to bedsores but can also lead to deep infections if a bedsore were to develop.
3. Ensuring Residents’ Nutritional Needs Are Met
Nutrition is important at all stages of our life. This includes our senior years, as having a healthy diet protects older individuals and ensures they are healthy enough to fight off any potential problems that may arise, including problems with their skin. Having a proper diet ensures all their needs are met regarding caloric intake, fluids, vitamins, and minerals. If these needs are not met, an individual can become susceptible to many problems, including malnutrition, which can quickly lead to issues including weight loss and bedsores.
It is vital to contact a bedsore lawyer in Suffolk County or your area if you notice any signs of neglect, including bedsores, weight loss, or issues with your loved ones’ hygiene. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your own loved ones’ situation, contact us today at Sinel & Oleson, PLLC, and we will be happy to discuss the next steps that need to be taken in your case.