Prolonged pressure on the skin in some areas of the body poses a substantial risk for the development of bedsores, or pressure ulcers. Nursing home residents, who may not have the ability to reposition or otherwise move themselves, often rely on facility staff to assist them and help ensure this potentially damaging skin condition does not occur.
In addition to the discomfort and pain they commonly cause, bedsores also lead to secondary complications for some nursing home residents.
Infections
According to HopkinsMedicine.org, bedsores lead to infections for some nursing home residents. This may occur due to improper care, resistance to healing, or a combination of these or other factors.
When nursing home residents develop secondary infections due to pressure ulcers, they often experience symptoms of illness, such as fever and chills, as well as an elevated heart rate, mental confusion or general weakness.
Cancer
According to MayoClinic.org, some pressure ulcers develop into cancer. Non-healing wounds that last long-term known as Marjolin’s Ulcers sometimes advance into squamous cell carcinoma.
Sepsis
Although relatively uncommon, sepsis results from some bed sores. An extreme reaction by the body to an infection, sepsis sometimes results in improper organ function or organ failure. As a result of this, nursing home residents may experience long-term health effects or death.
With appropriate care, nursing home staff may help prevent most bedsores from developing. If people do get these ulcers and, as a result, suffer worsened medical conditions, they may consider legal action against the nursing home staff or facility.
