Finding bedsores on a loved one in the care of a nursing facility is often a scary and frustrating experience. You entrust their care to the nursing home when you are unable to meet their needs, and discovering that they are also failing this person can leave you unsure of what to do next. If you have concerns about bed sores on your loved one, the Butte nursing home abuse lawyers with Everett Cook Law are here to help you determine your options.
How Stage Two Bedsores Happen
Bed sores are often referred to as pressure ulcers, pressure wounds, or decubitus ulcers. According to the National Pressure Injury Advisement Panel, these injuries are caused by damage to the skin and soft tissue layers below due to prolonged pressure that compresses blood vessels. In nursing home settings, these wounds may be the result of negligent care that leaves them in the same position for too long, and some of the more common areas for bedsores include:
- Buttocks
- Tailbone, hips, or lower back
- Shoulder blades
- Back or sides of the head
- Back of the arms and legs
The location of the wound will vary based on the position of the body. The severity of the wound will depend on how long it is left untreated, the individual’s age, overall health, among other factors.
Contributing Factors and Warning Signs
The nursing facility should assess the risk of bedsores on each resident and provide regular skin checks for those determined to be vulnerable. Some of the risk factors for bedsores are conditions like:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Malnutrition
- Heart or kidney failure
- Spinal cord injuries
When an individual has additional risk factors, caretakers should conduct regular assessments to identify problems early.
Identifying and treating Stage 2 Bedsores
Level two bedsores are more severe than level one and often include a shallow wound with a red base, which may contain a blister, whether open or closed. Like with more minor bed sores, any signs of infection should be immediately addressed by a physician.
Stage 2 bedsores can resolve with relative ease when pressure is relieved from the wounded area. You should keep the area clean and dry. Your medical provider may need to irrigate the wound and provide antibiotics to treat or prevent an established infection.
Your Legal Options
Some of the minor pressure injuries can occur within a couple of days. So while a stage 2 bedsore may not be abuse or neglect, it can be an indicator of significant problems in the facility, whether that is inadequate assessment procedures, negligent staff, or outright abuse.
As soon as you are concerned about negligent nursing home care, it is smart to document all contact with the facility, including all reports you make of your concerns, as well as the facility’s follow-up action. If they fail to take appropriate action or address your concerns, you may choose to file a report with Montana Adult Protective Services to allow them to investigate the situation. You may also decide to contact an attorney to discuss your legal recourse.