When elderly loved ones enter a nursing home, they deserve competent and compassionate care. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is rampant throughout Ohio. Do you know how to recognize bedsores, their stages and what to do when it happens?
The best way to protect your loved ones is to learn the signs—and to have the Law Offices of Tim Misny on your side. We can help fight for your loved one, and get them the compensation and care they deserve.
Bedsore stages
Bedsores occur when a person has been lying or sitting in one place for too long. They are also referred to as “pressure ulcers.” There are four stages of bedsores, increasing in severity:
- Stage 1: In this stage, the ulcer has not broken the surface of the skin. With basic wound care and pressure relief, the bedsores will heal within days.
- Stage 2: Left untreated, bedsores will worsen. Stage 2 is characterized by fluid or blisters underneath the surface of the skin. When treated, stage 2 bedsores will heal within a week. However, it’s important to treat them right away—the risk of infection is high.
- Stage 3: In this stage, bedsores may form a “crater” in the skin. The flesh may turn black. Stage 3 bedsores are almost always a sign of abuse and neglect, unless the sores were present before they entered the facility.
- Stage 4: A stage 4 bedsore can affect the muscles and ligaments, and may take months to heal. People with chronic health conditions may never recover.
Nursing home neglect
If you’ve seen signs of bedsores in your loved one, call the Law Offices of Tim Misny for help right away. We can review your claim and explain your options, from getting new care to filing a lawsuit against the facility. You may also wish to report nursing home abuse to the State of Ohio.
Not all bedsores are signs of neglect, but the longer they’re left untreated, the more likely you will have an actionable claim. Even if you don’t suspect neglect, keep in regular communication with your loved one. If they show signs of distress or illness, monitor the situation. Don’t hesitate to call for help. Not only are bedsores deeply painful for the patient, but they can cause lifelong health issues. The sooner you act, the better the chances of recovery.
Call an Ohio nursing home abuse attorney today
Your loved ones deserve compassionate care from their nursing home. We can help you hold the neglectful nursing home responsible. I’ll Make Them Pay!® Get in touch with me at 877-614-9524 so that I can evaluate your case.
