People who move into long-term care facilities usually don’t take their decision lightly. They often look for a facility that offers the care level they need and the atmosphere they want. Once they move in, they count on the staff members to take care of their needs.
Some residents in long-term care facilities have mobility challenges, so they need people to help them move around. Those who are bedridden, need to use a wheelchair or require manual transfers must be cared for properly or they’re at risk of developing bedsores.
What is a bedsore?
A bedsore is a type of pressure ulcer that’s the result of damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by constant pressure or friction on the area. They’re typically found on the bony areas of the body, such as the spine, hips, tailbone and ankles.
Bedsores are divided into four distinct stages that are based on the depth of damage. Stage 1 is the least serious and stage 4 is the most serious. By the time a bedsore becomes a stage 4 ulcer, the wounds are so deep that they can go through the tendons, muscles and ligaments to reach the bone.
Long-term care facility residents who are mobility challenged are especially susceptible to pressure sores if they aren’t moved as required. Because bedsores signal that their care hasn’t been handled properly, they may opt to pursue a negligence claim against the facility. These cases are often complex, so it may be best for them to work with someone familiar with these matters.
