People living in nursing homes are at higher risk for the development of bedsores, aka pressure sores or decubitus ulcers. Bedsores often develop due to immobility where pressure is put on part of the body for extended periods of time. Bedsores are treatable in the early stages, but may quickly turn serious when overlooked or ignored. Bedsore are categorized into four stages, with stage one representing an early or mild case, to stage four, a potentially life threatening condition.
Identifying Bedsore Stages
Stage One Bedsore
The characteristics of a stage one bedsore is a spot that looks and feels different from surrounding skin, but has not broken through the skin. It may be an area of skin that is red or discolored, warmer or cooler to the touch, or harder or softer. The area will often stay red or inflamed even after repositioning.
It is important to treat stage one bedsores promptly to prevent worsening. Increasing mobility, repositioning, proper hydration and nutrition, and removing any items causing friction to the skin may be necessary. Follow-up assessment is key.
Stage Two Bedsores Require Prompt Attention
Bedsores that have progressed to stage two can be identified as an intact blister or shallow open sore, which may be red or pink, with pus or fluid present. The epidermis, or top layer of skin, is broken creating an open wound which leaves the second layer of skin, the dermis, exposed. Some stage two bedsores may even breach the dermis, but do not penetrate to the fat beneath the skin.
Treating a stage two bedsore promptly is imperative to prevent infection. It is important to remove all pressure from the area, keep the area clean and dry, maintain proper nutrition and hydration, and reassess the area regularly to prevent the bedsore from advancing to stage three. Care should directed by a health care professional.
Stage Three Bedsore May Point to Neglect
A stage three bedsore is characterized by a pressure sore that has penetrated through all layers of skin into the fat tissue that can result in tissue loss and life threatening infections. Even if a resident has circulation issues, diabetes, immobility, or a cast that puts them at higher risk for advanced bedsores, the presence of a stage three bedsore may indicate a neglect.
All too often, understaffing in a nursing home setting translates into a lack of individualized care and longer durations of immobility. Understaffing combined with inadequate training can result in bedsores advancing to a serious stage.
Stage 4 Bedsores Potentially Life Threatening
When stage three bedsores are not properly treated, stage four bedsores often develop which can lead to life threatening complications and infections Stage four is characterized by a deep wound extending down to the muscles, ligaments and bones resulting in extreme pain, infection and sometimes death. Advanced bedsores cause tens of thousands of deaths each year and are often caused by nursing home neglect.
Nursing Home Neglect in the Development of Bedsores
Bedsores are almost always preventable. A care facility must act to prevent injuries in high risk populations and vigilantly assess residents in their care for signs of pressure injuries, treating problems early to avoid complications. Failure to properly care for nursing home residents may indicate nursing home neglect.
Contact a Des Moines Nursing Home Neglect Attorney for Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Iowa nursing home facility, contact Des Moines nursing home neglect and abuse lawyer Marc Humphrey for immediate assistance.
