Pressure sores can be dangerous, but with early prevention and swift treatment, they do not have to have be fatal. If a patient is bedridden, it is important to follow a strict protocol to ensure that pressure sores never develop. Unfortunately, pressure sores are often due to neglect and because nursing homes and personal care facilities are understaffed, there are times that the warning signs are missed.
If you suspect that your loved one has been the victim of abuse or neglect at a nursing home or personal care facility, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at the first sign of an issue. America’s Consumer Lawyer will review your case and advise you on your best course of action.
Preventing Pressure Sores
Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to pressure sores. To prevent pressure sores from developing, it is best to follow the following tips:
- Change position frequently-It is important to change positions frequently, at least every 2-4 hours. There is also specialized equipment available to help prevent any one part of the body from receiving too much pressure, such as wedges, rolls, mattress pads, and even pillows can be used.
- Check the skin daily-Pressure sores form in areas that are particularly bony and have less fat covering them, such as elbows, knees, heels, shoulder blades, back of the head, and hips. If your loved one cannot do this for themselves, it is important that you or a caretaker do so.
- Keep the skin clean-Do not use soaps and cleansers that contain alcohol and use moisturizers frequently.
- Keep the skin dry-If there are issues with sweating, incontinence, or wound seepage, it is important to use moisture barrier products to keep the skin dry. If there are wounds, keep them properly clean and dressed.
- Pat the skin-Avoid rubbing and pulling on the skin, instead pat gently to dry.
- Eat a well-balanced diet-Poor nutrition is common in those who are bedridden. It is important to ensure the diet is well-balanced and vitamins are supplemented as needed. If in doubt as to what a health diet should entail, a nutritionist should be consulted. If a patient is unable to eat on their own, IV and tube feedings are an option as well.
Equally important is hydration; 6-8 glasses of liquid should be consumed daily.
If pressure sores should develop, it is important to contact a doctor immediately, especially if you notice discharge, redness, tenderness, fever, confusion, and a foul smell coming from that area. Advanced pressure sores should not be ignored, and treatment should only be done under the care of a physician.
If you believe a loved one has been abused or neglected at a long-term care facility, contact America’s Consumer Lawyer, for a free consultation. We are a Chicago injury law firm representing individuals and families who have suffered an injury or loss due to an accident. America’s Consumer Lawyer, will handle your personal injury case quickly, will advise you every step of the way, and will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, America’s Consumer Lawyer, does not get paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. Therefore, you have nothing to risk when you hire us–just the opportunity to seek justice.
