What Are Bedsores?
Bedsores are also known as pressure sores or pressure ulcers. They occur as a result of prolonged pressure on the skin and underlying tissue in sensitive areas, most often the boney areas of the body such as the back, buttocks, hips, ankles and heels. Bedsores can develop quickly and can be difficult to treat because those who are most often affected are those with mobility issues that keep them from changing positions easily. Those who are bedridden or are confined to a wheelchair are at a high risk for developing bedsores.
Causes and Risk Factors
There are three factors that play a role in bedsores developing:
•Sustained Pressure: When the skin is trapped between a bony surface and the surface of a bed or wheel chair, blood flow can be interrupted because the pressure that depriving the area of blood flow is greater than the body's ability to pump blood to that area.
•Friction: When someone tries to move after being in a certain position for a long period of time, as is the case with those people in wheelchairs or those who are bedridden, friction between the skin and the surface they are on can contribute to bedsores. Friction is worse if the skin is moist, as in the case of those with urinary incontinence.
•Shear: Shear occurs when two surfaces move in opposite directions, such as when the head of a hospital bed is raised. As the head of the bed moves up, gravity pulls the body downward, resulting in a shear effect between a person's back and the bed.
Those most at risk for developing bedsores are those who have limited mobility. Immobility can be caused by a number of problems:
•Poor health
•Obesity resulting in immobility
•Sedation
•Injury or illness requiring bed rest or wheel chair use
•Recovery after surgery
•Paralysis
•Coma
Other factors that contribute to bedsores include:
•Lack of sensory perception
•Poor nutrition or hydration
•Age
•Decreased mental awareness
•Weight loss
•Incontinence
•Excessive moisture or dryness of skin
•Smoking
•Decreased circulation
•Muscle spasms
Although elderly residents are awarded certain nursing home rights, some facilities, either unknowingly or intentionally, may violate these basic rights. If you suspect your loved one is being abused in a nursing home or otherwise deprived of their nursing home resident rights, such as bed sores, dehydration, malnutrition, infection, under staffing, physical abuse, you should immediately contact us toll free at 1.866.999.9085 or on-line at www.thepecklawgroup.com for a free thorough case review and evaluation. This case review is being offered at no cost and shall help determine whether you should take legal action on behalf of your elder / dependent adult loved one. We Will Help You!!
