What Causes Bed Sores in Nursing Homes?

Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers, are injuries to the skin, as well as the underlying tissue in some instances, that typically appear on a bony part of the body. Sadly, bed sores are very common injuries in nursing homes and they can result in serious infections and even death. Below, our Tampa bed sores attorneys explain the most common causes of these injuries.

Pressure

One of the most common causes of bed sores is pressure, particularly when it occurs over an extended period of time. When a nursing home resident sits for too long in a chair, wheelchair, or bed, the skin between the surface of the object and the bone can become compressed. This can restrict blood flow to the area, which deprives the skin’s tissue of nutrients and oxygen. Pressure often causes bed sores in areas of the body that lack fat or muscle, such as:

• Elbows
• Ankles
• Hips
• Heels
• Spine
• Shoulder blades
• Toes
• Tailbone

Reduced blood flow in the above areas can result in dead skin in just a few hours. Once this occurs, the injury will spread to deeper layers of the skin. Nursing home residents who have to lie or sit in one position for long periods of time can cause one part of the body to feel significant pressure, causing a bed sore. Nursing home staff members should ensure residents with limited mobility are regularly moved and repositioned to prevent bed sores from forming.

Shear 

Another common cause of bed sores is shear. Shear occurs when two surfaces move in opposite directions, such as when a bone moves in one direction while the skin moves in the other. Shear prevents healthy tissue from receiving important nutrients while also placing a strain on the blood vessels.

Nursing home staff members often have to help residents move from one place to another, such as from a bed to a wheelchair. During these transitions, staff members must exercise caution to ensure the resident is moved carefully and does not shear.

Friction 

Nursing home residents are at high risk of bed sores caused by friction because their skin is more delicate and susceptible to suffering injuries. As with the other causes of bed sores, friction can damage a person’s blood vessel, preventing oxygen, blood, and important nutrients from reaching the skin.

Staff members in nursing homes must avoid using multiple mattress pads or bed sheets, as they can prevent the even distribution of pressure. They should also ensure residents are wearing comfortable clothing and shoes, change residents’ clothing regularly, and ensure bed sheets are clean as even small folds or crumbs can irritate the skin.

Our Bed Sores Attorneys in Tampa Can Help with Your Case

Bed sores cause nursing home residents to suffer great harm and they are entirely preventable. If your loved one has developed this type of injury, our Tampa bed sores attorneys at Kohn Law can help. Our experienced attorneys can prove the nursing home is liable so your loved one obtains the full settlement they deserve. Call us now at 813-428-8504 or contact us online to request a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0400/0400.html