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Why Bed Sores Are Prevalent in Nursing Homes

Bed sores, also known as pressure sores and decubitus ulcers, are a serious concern for residents living in nursing homes and their family members. This type of nursing home injury can be fatal and is extremely painful. Unfortunately, bed sores are one of the most common types of nursing home injuries.

A bed sore can form when a nursing home resident stays in the same position for too long without shifting his or her weight. Senior citizens who are bedridden or confined to wheelchairs are especially susceptible of developing pressure sores. Bed sores occur when there is constant pressure against the skin, which reduces blood supply and ultimately leads to tissue death. The hip, lower back and heel areas are common places where bed sores form.

There are different stages of pressure sores. The first stage occurs when the skin becomes red and does not diminish when pressure is relieved. Pressure sores move on to stage two when there is a loss of skin layers that looks similar to a blister or abrasion. Stage three is characterized by exposed tissue, which appears as a deep crater. The last stage occurs when the skin thickness and tissue are lost and muscle or bone is exposed.

Nursing home neglect is often to blame for bed sores. A bedridden resident should be moved every two hours to reduce pressure on the body. There are also various beds and cushions that can be used to prevent potentially fatal pressure sores. However, if a nursing home is understaffed or provides inadequate care, the residents are the ones who suffer. When nursing home abuse or neglect leads to injuries or death, the facility can be held liable.

If your loved one has suffered from bed sores from a nursing home, you need to contact an experienced New York nursing home abuse attorney at Rappaport, Glass, Greene & Levine at (800) 734-9445 immediately. We have been representing injured New Yorkers since 1965.