Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
Bed Sores
A pressure sore is a sore that occurs over a bony area of the body. Pressure sores are only caused by lying in the same position for too long. Pressure sores are usually found on the buttocks, over the tail bone, on the hips, and on the heels. Most pressure ulcers can be prevented by turning and repositioning the patient at least every two hours, keeping the patient clean and dry, giving the patient enough food and water, and using good mattresses.
If the resident is immobile or confined to bed, you need to find out what the nursing home is doing to prevent the resident from developing bed sores. There are a number of things that can be done to prevent bed sores, such as:
- Turning and repositioning the resident at least every two hours;
- Elevating or floating the heels;
- Using a special mattress;
- Good nutrition and hydration;
- Keeping the resident clean and dry.
If the resident gets a bed sore, it is important to make sure that the nursing home:
- Tells the doctor that the resident has a bed sore;
- Keeps all pressure off the bed sore;
- Checks the bed sore every day to make sure it is not getting any worse;
- Has in place a plan of care to make sure the bed sore does not get any worse;
- Has in place a plan of care to treat the bed sore;
- Ensures that the resident gets the proper nutrition;
- Ensures that urine or feces does come in contact with the bed sore.
If the resident gets a bed sore, you may want to take photographs of the bed sore during the times that the nursing home is changing the dressing. Do not ever remove a dressing on a bed sore. Simply ask the nurse when the dressing will be changed. Then, when the nurse is changing the dressing, take a picture of the sore.