Pressure Sores
Pressure sores, otherwise known as "decubitus ulcers" or bed sores, are a common problem for immobile nursing home residents. They occur when soft tissue is compressed between a boney part of the body and a hard or firm surface, like a bed or wheelchair. Pressure sores commonly develop on a resident's heels and buttocks. Some residents are at an increased risk for sores depending on their other medical conditions. These sores can develop quickly and, if not treated correctly, can become infected, are extremely painful, and can even be life-threatening.
While pressure sores are not always caused by a medical professional's negligence, the nursing home and its staff are required to take certain steps to prevent them from happening and to properly address the problem once it occurs. Keeping the skin dry, frequently inspecting the skin for sores, providing proper nutrition and hydration, and turning the resident to keep pressure off of the boney parts of the body, are just a few ways that pressure sores can be prevented or minimized. However, once a sore has developed, the presence of the wound should be documented and treated to prevent it from developing any further.
If you or your loved one has developed pressure sores, which were left untreated and allowed to progress, contact us online or call Theodoros & Rooth at
