When you put your loved ones in a nursing facility, you expect them to get the highest quality of care. But sometimes, that doesn’t happen, and neglect can lead to significant complications. When patients lay in the same position for an extended period, the pressure cuts off the blood flow to that area, leading to bedsores.
This blog will teach you about the potential complications from bedsores and what you can do if your loved one has suffered from neglect.
Risks
Although anyone can develop bedsores, patients over 70 are at a higher risk due to pre-existing conditions. Some characteristics connected to bedsore development include:
- Low blood pressure
- Diabetes mellitus
- Regular cigarette use
If your loved one also has low BMI and poor general health, their chances of developing bedsores are also high.
Complications
Bedsores are not just light bruises but painful sores that can cause life-threatening injuries. Because bedsores weaken the skin barrier, nursing home patients are more susceptible to bacterial infections like cellulitis, an infection of the skin and tissue which can cause inflammation and swelling of the affected area.
On the more severe side, bedsores can lead to joint and bone infections. These types of infections can cause major mobility in joint and limb functions and can severely damage tissue. Long-term wounds like Marjolin’s ulcers can develop into squamous cell carcinoma, which is a nonhealing wound.
Taking Action
It’s important to note that bedsores can be preventable with proper care. Your loved one does not have to suffer due to a nursing home’s negligence. If you suspect that the facility your elder is at is accountable for serious wounds, you may have a chance at receiving justice and compensation.
The team here at DiPasquale Moore has the experience and resources to aid you in this difficult time. Our multiple offices in Kansas City, St. Louis, Topeka, and Columbia are ready to take care of you and your family. Give us a call today at (816) 888-7500 or fill out a consultation form on our website here.