Bedsores in Nursing Homes: Signs, Risks, and When to Seek Help
Bedsores, also called pressure ulcers, should never be part of a loved one’s life in a nursing home. These painful wounds form when a person is left in the same position for too long without proper care. The truth is simple: bedsores are preventable. When they appear, it is often a warning sign that a nursing home is not giving the attention residents deserve.
For families, seeing a parent or grandparent suffer from something that could have been avoided is heartbreaking. Knowing the signs, understanding the risks, and learning when to seek help can protect your loved one from further harm.
What Are Bedsores and Why Do They Happen?
A bedsore is a type of injury caused by pressure on the skin. They often develop on the back, hips, heels, and other areas where the body rests against a surface for long periods.
These injuries happen when staff fail to move or reposition residents regularly. They can also occur when a resident is malnourished, dehydrated, or not receiving proper hygiene. Older adults are especially vulnerable because their skin is thinner and they may not have the strength to move on their own.
Bedsores are not just “part of aging.” They are preventable with good care. Nursing homes have a responsibility to provide that care.
Signs Families Should Watch For
Families who visit regularly are often the first to notice something is wrong. Bedsores may start small, but early signs can help you act quickly.
- Skin changes: Red, swollen, or discolored patches that don’t fade when touched.
- Open wounds: Skin that breaks down into sores or blisters.
- Pain or discomfort: Residents showing pain when sitting, lying down, or being moved.
- Neglect in care: Loved ones left in the same position for hours, or staff too rushed to provide attention.
If you see these signs, raise questions right away. Ask staff how often your loved one is repositioned, whether their diet is being monitored, and what steps are being taken to prevent sores.
The Risks of Untreated Bedsores
Some people think bedsores are minor. The truth is they can quickly become serious and even life-threatening.
- Infections: Bedsores can turn into deep wounds that allow bacteria to enter the body. In severe cases, this can lead to blood infections (sepsis).
- Pain and suffering: Bedsores are extremely painful and affect a person’s comfort and dignity.
- Longer recovery times: Healing can take weeks or months, keeping residents in hospitals or confined to their beds.
- Increased mortality risk: For frail or elderly residents, untreated sores can contribute to early death.
Bedsores are not only about physical harm. They also lower quality of life and strip residents of comfort in their final years.
When to Take Action
If you suspect a loved one has bedsores, waiting is not an option. Families should respond quickly and firmly.
- Seek medical care. A doctor should evaluate the wounds immediately.
- Talk to the facility. Ask about prevention plans, staff training, and whether the care plan is being followed.
- Document everything. Take photos of the sores, write down dates, and keep copies of medical records.
- Report neglect. Every state has agencies to investigate nursing home complaints. In California, this includes Adult Protective Services and the Department of Public Health.
Taking these steps shows the facility that you are watching and will not accept excuses.
How Attorneys Can Help Families
Bedsores often point to neglect, and neglect can have legal consequences. Families sometimes feel powerless when facing large nursing homes, but attorneys provide a way forward.
Lawyers who focus on nursing home neglect investigate whether proper care was given. They gather medical records, consult with doctors, and uncover whether staffing issues or poor practices led to harm.
In many cases, attorneys can seek compensation for medical costs, pain, and suffering. More importantly, they hold facilities accountable. Legal action forces change and helps prevent future neglect.
Families in major cities often turn to Los Angeles bedsores attorneys for guidance in these cases. These professionals understand the complexity of nursing home law and stand beside families during an incredibly difficult time.
Protecting Loved Ones
Bedsores are a painful reminder of what happens when care fails. They are not a normal part of aging. They are preventable injuries that should never be ignored.
For families, the path forward begins with awareness. Know the signs, act quickly, and demand answers. If your loved one has suffered from bedsores due to neglect, remember that help is available. Attorneys who handle these cases, including those in Los Angeles, can give families a stronger voice and ensure that residents’ rights are respected.
Food, water, comfort, and dignity, these are the basics of care. No nursing home should fall short. And no family should stay silent when it happens.
