Common Areas for Bedsores in Maryland Nursing Homes
Bedsores develop when the skin of a person comes in contact with a hard surface for an extended period of time. They are fairly easy to prevent, as long as medical staff members help disabled patients change positions regularly. Unfortunately, this does not always occur, and bedsores are one of the most common signs of neglect in nursing facilities.
If you or someone you know developed bedsores while in the care of a skilled nursing facility, you may be entitled to financial compensation. As previously stated, patients in neglectful facilities are far more likely to develop sores.
Contact a nursing home lawyer now to learn more about common areas for bedsores in Maryland nursing homes.
Where do Bedsores Develop?
Bedsores typically develop when extended pressure on the body prevents blood from circulating properly. Bedsores primarily form on body parts that come in direct contact with the surfaces of a mattress, chair, or anything else. The areas of the body with little to no fat insulation, such as the elbows and back, are most prone to developing pressure ulcers since fat serves as a cushion.
Naturally, areas of the body that come into contact with mattresses or chairs the most often are most likely to develop sores. Common areas for bedsores in Maryland nursing homes include:
- Ankles – Patients who spend a considerable amount of time lying on their side are prone to developing ankle bedsores.
- Back of the Head – Many patients sleep on the back of their heads, especially those who are bedbound due to mobility issues or medical conditions, such as paralysis or coma. Since there is very little fat on the back of the head, pressure ulcers can often be found here.
- Heels – As mentioned above, immobile patients often lie on their backs, so their heels are pressed against the mattress. Patients who ride in wheelchairs may also develop heel sores.
- Lower Back – Bedbound patients can almost always be found on their backs. Due to the firmness of the bed surface and mattresses, the lower back is prone to forming bedsores.
- Hips – Patients who lie on their sides are most at risk for hip sores. Although thighs contain slightly more fat that other sore-prone areas, bony protrusions can still cause problems.
- Spine – The spine, like the hips, contain bony protrusions and very little fat insulation. Once more, patients how lie on their backs are at the greatest risk of developing spine sores.
- Knees – Knees have little fat, and if a patient lies on their stomach, they can develop ulcers on their knees.
Other parts of the body can develop bedsores, but the parts listed above are the most common seen in Maryland nursing homes.
Patients at Risk for Bedsores
Certain types of patients are especially prone to bedsores, including those suffering from the following medical conditions:
- Diabetes – Can leave patients unable to feel certain body parts
- Paralysis – Prevents patients from moving on their own
- Weakness – Some elderly patients may not be strong enough to change positions
- Dehydration – Skin needs water and dry skin is more prone to sores
- Coma – Prevents patients from moving at all
Patients suffering from the previous conditions may need help moving so they do not develop sores.
There are Many Common Areas for Bedsores in Maryland Nursing Homes
Common areas for bedsores in Maryland nursing homes include the previously mentioned body parts. Bedsores are relatively simple to treat if they are noticed promptly, but if they are left to progress, they can infect the rest of the body and cause conditions such as cancer, sepsis, and gangrene.
If you are interested in discussing your bedsore case, reach out to an attorney in your area now.
