Pressure Ulcers in New York Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are meant to be places of care, comfort, and safety for our elderly loved ones. Families rely on these facilities to provide compassionate attention to their vulnerable relatives, especially those with limited mobility. However, one common and distressing issue that can arise in nursing homes is the development of preventable pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores. To learn more about pressure ulcers in New York nursing homes, speak with our nursing home abuse attorneys.

Understanding Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers are painful, often debilitating, injuries that occur when sustained pressure is applied to the skin and underlying tissues. These injuries commonly develop in areas where bones are close to the skin’s surface, such as the hips, heels, tailbone, and elbows. Pressure ulcers can progress through stages of severity, ranging from mild redness to open wounds with exposed bone. Inadequate care, neglect, or negligence in New York nursing homes can lead to the development and worsening of these pressure ulcers.

The Prevalence of Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers are not isolated incidents; they are a widespread problem in nursing homes, not just in New York but throughout the United States. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 11% of nursing home residents suffer from pressure ulcers. These injuries can lead to severe complications, including infection, sepsis, and even death.

Causes of Pressure Ulcers in Nursing Homes

Pressure ulcers can result from a variety of factors, many of which are indicative of inadequate care within nursing homes. Some common causes include:

• Lack of Mobility: Residents who cannot reposition themselves require assistance from staff to prevent the sustained pressure that leads to pressure ulcer development.
• Inadequate Staffing: Understaffed nursing homes may struggle to provide the necessary care, including regular repositioning and hygiene routines, increasing the risk of pressure ulcers.
• Poor Nutrition and Hydration: Malnutrition and dehydration can weaken the skin’s integrity, making it more susceptible to pressure ulcers.
• Failure to Recognize and Address Early Signs: Timely identification and appropriate treatment of early-stage pressure ulcers are crucial to preventing them from worsening. Neglecting these signs can lead to significant complications.
• Inadequate Wound Care: Once pressure ulcers develop, they require proper wound care, including cleaning, dressing changes, and infection control. Neglecting these steps can result in severe complications.

Pressure ulcers are distressing injuries that should never occur in nursing homes when residents receive proper care. Families and residents in New York must be aware of their legal rights and options to hold nursing homes accountable for pressure ulcers caused by neglect or inadequate care.

Consult a New York Lawyer About Pressure Ulcers in Nursing Homes

Pressure ulcers in New York nursing homes are more common than you think. If you or a loved one has suffered from pressure ulcers due to nursing home neglect, do not hesitate to consult with Mark David Shirian P.C. to explore your legal options and seek justice.