Staffing Shortages at Nursing Homes Linked to Bedsores

 Posted on December 06, 2022 in Bed Sores

A new study by the University of Chicago found that the number of bedsores at nursing homes continues to be underreported in the United States. When a nursing home resident develops bedsores it is usually due to substandard care and inadequate staffing levels. Unfortunately, nursing homes have failed to replace staff that quit after the pandemic and 82 percent of facilities in the nation did not meet minimum staffing requirements by the federal government before the pandemic. This is alarming especially if a family member is the one with these painful and life-threatening injuries. 

Why do Bedsores Form?

Bedsores or pressure ulcers develop when the blood supply to the skin is cut off for more than two to three hours. As the skin dies, bedsores begin to form and the skin turns red. It is a clear sign that something is not right.

These are injuries to the skin and the underlying tissue due to prolonged pressure on the skin. Bedsores usually develop in these parts of the body:

• Tailbone or hips

• Heels of the feet

• Shoulder blades

• Back of the head

• Backs and sides of the knees

If your loved one is frail and relies on someone else to help them change positions they are at a high risk of developing bedsores if they are not repositioned consistently. If you notice frequent bedsores it can be a sign that the staff is not paying close enough attention to your loved one, and they could be suffering from nursing home neglect.

Bedsores Can Lead to Complications

Unfortunately, bedsores are common among elderly residents at nursing homes because they have limited mobility. These pressure ulcers develop over time therefore, negligence is often demonstrated by showing an ongoing pattern of substandard care. People with diabetes and circulation problems are the most vulnerable.

Bedsores can be extremely painful and they can lead to more serious complications including infections, sepsis, gangrene, amputations, and wrongful death. 

If nursing home neglect leads to serious injury or death, the resident or the resident’s surviving loved ones may be entitled to monetary compensation. The nursing home may be required to pay damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. 

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Injury Lawyer

At Schwartz Injury Law we have represented countless clients who developed bedsores that were not treated in a timely and proper manner. Contact a skilled Cook County nursing home injury attorney who knows the signs to look for when reviewing nursing home records. Call 312-535-4625 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1225&ChapterID=0

https://journals.lww.com/lww-medicalcare/Fulltext/2022/10000/Accuracy_of_Pressure_Ulcer_Events_in_US_Nursing.7.aspx

https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/investigations/2022/03/10/usa-today-investigation-exposes-nursing-home-failures-during-covid/6853718001/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553107/