FL Disability Benefits for Nursing Home Abuse Victims with Bedsores
Nursing home patients develop bedsores as a result of neglect and abuse.
Bedsores are also called pressure sores, ulcers, and skin lesions. The law requires that nursing homes ensure that a resident does not develop bedsores, unless it is impossible to prevent them.
An estimated 10% of Florida elder abuse cases are reported every year. Research continues to reveal that although that statistic appears seemingly incredible, this statistic does not reflect many of the cases that go unreported due to lack of supervision. Several contributing factors weigh into the cause for the increase. Namely, our country’s elderly population is increasing more than ever. Sadly, supervision and accountability are necessary strengths that are not easily found within most nursing homes.
Bedsores Explained
When a Florida resident has a medical condition which limits them to move around, they may ultimately require to be confined to a bed or a wheelchair within a nursing home. It is crucial that the patient receive proper care and rotation in order to prevent getting bedsores.
Bedsores develop when bony areas of the body, (such as buttocks, hips, knees, and ankles) sustain long periods of pressure on the skin. When the skin is trapped between the bone and a surface such as a bed or wheelchair, the blood flow and oxygen supply to the tissues are cut off. Bedsores can be very serious, leading to life threatening complications such as sepsis, meningitis, infections, and even cancer.
Bedsores: Stages and Symptoms
Without proper care, Florida nursing home patients are likely to rapidly develop bedsores. Unfortunately, bedsores are also difficult to treat, heal, and repair.
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Stage I- skin is intact, painful, and discolored (red, ashen, blue, purple).
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Stage II-skin develops an ulcer, blister-like open wound, outer and inner skin layer is damaged.
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Stage III-ulcer develops deep wound, fat exposed, and crater-like appearance.
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Stage IV-ulcer shows large loss of tissue, exposing muscle, bone, tendons
What Causes Bedsores?
If a person isn’t able to change positions without the assistance of a caregiver, they are at high risk for developing pressure sores. Certain characteristics make an individual a high risk for bedsores including:
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Old Age. Older adults have fragile skin that makes them more vulnerable.
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Sensory Loss. Certain injuries may cause the person to lose the ability to sense pain and not be aware of the bedsores, and need to change positions.
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Weight Loss. Lessens cushion needed between bones and bedding.
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Dehydration and Nutrition. Necessary to build up healthy skin and tissues
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Incontinence. Moisture leads to bacteria and infections without frequent changes.
Get Help!
If you or a loved one has suffered from bedsores within the care of a nursing home, immediate legal assistance is imperative. Contact Florida nursing home abuse lawyer David Benenfeld, who is dedicated to helping victims of abuse. For or a free legal consultation call today: 954-677-0155.
