Possible Causes of Bedsores in Nursing Homes

Bedsores are uncomfortable and painful. The infections can also spread to other parts of the body. Unfortunately, negligence in nursing homes can easily lead to bedsores.

Below are a few reasons some nursing home residents suffer from bedsores.

Prolonged Body Pressure

Prolonged pressure to the same part of the body is a common cause of bedsores. The pressure breaks down the skin and triggers the sores. Body parts that dig into the bed and experience extreme pressure, such as the hips, are more vulnerable to bedsores than other areas of the body.

Nursing home residents with mobility problems require help in repositioning their bodies to avoid prolonged pressure. The nursing home should have measures in place to help such residents reposition themselves regularly. Failure to do that makes the nursing home liable for bedsore damages.

Poor Handling

Friction can also break down the skin and trigger bedsores. For example, dragging a body part against the bedding or clothing can create enough friction to damage the skin. The risk is especially high for residents who already have poor health or skin problems.

A nursing home resident might suffer such skin damage if a caregiver mishandles them. For example, your loved one might suffer bedsores if a caregiver drags them on the bed during repositioning.

Poor Hygiene

Poor hygiene, especially if coupled with other risk factors, increases the risk of bedsores. Of particular concern is prolonged exposure to moisture (such as urine) or contaminated substances, such as stool. The moisture encourages germs multiplication, and the germs can attack and break down the skin.

Nursing home residents might experience poor hygiene if:

• The nursing home doesn’t have adequate caregivers to care for all the residents.
• The nursing home caregivers do not have adequate skills to maintain good hygiene.
• The nursing home caregivers do not have the motivation to provide for those under their care.

Every nursing home must ensure that its residents have the best hygiene possible. Failure to do that makes the caregivers, nursing home, or both liable for bedsore damages.

Poor Nutrition

Good nutrition is a fundamental requirement for good health. For example, you need good nutrition to:

• Help your body resist attacks by germs
• Help your body fight inflammation
• Accelerate the healing process

Poor nutrition causes bedsores both directly and indirectly. Specifically, poor nutrition:

• Leads to reduced energy that makes it difficult to change positions on the bed
• Leads to loss of body tissues, such as fat and muscles, that provide the padding necessary to reduce pressure on the body
• Reduces healing time for bedsores and allow them to fester

Each nursing home must ensure that its residents have adequate nutrition. Not only that, but the caregivers must ensure that the residents get the food they need. For example, some residents need help eating. Otherwise, the caregivers and nursing home may be liable for resulting bedsore damages.

Poor Blood Circulation

Poor blood circulation can also occur and cause bedsores without pressure. The skin cells require constant blood circulation to supply it with adequate oxygen and nutrients and remove wastes. Otherwise, the cells suffer damage and the risk of bedsores increase.

For example, a nursing home resident might have poor blood circulation if they are immobile for a long time. Mobility problems can stem from advanced age, ill health, accidental injuries, and physical disability. Again, the nursing home is responsible for ensuring such people don’t stay in the same position for a long time and suffer poor blood flow.

Contact Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney if your loved one has developed bedsores in a nursing home. We will evaluate the circumstances of the injury and help your loved one get the compensation they deserve.