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Is a bedsore a red flag of negligence?

On Behalf of | Nov 15, 2022 | Nursing Home Abuse

Bedsores are a relatively common injury in nursing home residents. However, it could also act as a potential red flag that might indicate abuse or neglect.

In what way could it indicate neglect? What can someone do in the event that they suspect neglect?

The basics of bedsores

Mayo Clinic discusses negligence on the part of nursing homes and how it may manifest. Neglect may happen for many reasons, and a majority are not malicious by nature. Unfortunately, this does not change the fact that neglect can negatively impact the health of a resident suffering from it.

Bedsores are one potential indicator of neglect, because they can often be prevented through enough care and attention on the part of the staff.

Bedsores form when pressure is applied to the same area of the body over an extended period of time. It does not take very long for bedsores to potentially form, either. In many cases, it only takes a few hours with no movement whatsoever.

Why it might be a red flag

Residents who have no easy way to move themselves thus need a staff member to come in and physically move them every couple of hours so they can avoid bedsore formation.

Sometimes, despite the best care, bedsores can still form. But they are more common in situations where staff forgot to turn someone in their bed, or left them sitting in a wheelchair for too long.

Bedsores can be extremely painful and may lead to serious infections. Thus, as a sign of potential neglect and an injury, they should be taken seriously.