Nursing negligence and bed sores

If you’ve recently helped a loved one transition to a nursing home residence, you’ve no doubt encountered one or more challenges as he or she adapts to a new lifestyle. Especially if your loved one was somewhat independent until recently, it can be difficult coming to terms with the changes that living in a nursing home brings.

When you entrust your beloved family member’s care to licensed professionals in a nursing home, you can reasonably expect every nursing staff member to provide quality care in accordance with Delaware laws and the accepted industry standards for patient safety. Therefore, there’s cause for concern if your loved one contracts bed sores or shows other signs of injury, which may suggest nursing negligence.

Nurses know how to prevent bed sores

In a nursing home setting, some patients are mobile and others are not. Professional caretakers understand the importance of frequently turning a bed-bound patient to prevent pressure ulcers, otherwise known as bed sores.

If your loved one is immobile, then he or she relies on caretakers for repositioning to avoid friction and pressure on areas such as the lower back, knees and elbows. Nursing staff know how to use pillows to prop up a patient so that feet are lifted or the lower back no longer touches the mattress. If a caretaker fails in his or her duties, your loved one may be at great risk for injury.

Using sheets to help lift a patient also helps prevent bed sores

Nursing home staff members who work directly with patient care receive training on how to properly lift someone without causing injury. You may have witnessed a caretaker using a bed sheet to help lift your loved one. This helps the caretaker avoid causing direct friction or pressure to your loved one’s body to prevent bed sores.

Follow up if something causes you concern

If you visit or speak with your loved one who lives in a Delaware nursing home, and he or she mentions bed sores, or you notice them on his or her body, you can ask to speak with someone in charge to discuss the issue. If you’re not satisfied with the explanation you’re given, you can further investigate the situation.

In the past, there have been medical malpractice claims filed in civil court, citing evidence of nursing negligence as the cause of bed sores or other patient injuries.