A Shocking Truth About Pressure Ulcers That Could Save a Life
Caring for aging parents or loved ones in nursing homes can be a challenging and emotional journey. Often, we shy away from discussing sensitive topics like inspecting our loved one’s skin or closely monitoring their health. However, it’s crucial to understand that vigilance can be a matter of life and death. Pressure ulcers, or bedsores, are more than just uncomfortable—they’re deadly. In fact, pressure ulcers contribute to over 60,000 deaths every year in the U.S. alone. Let’s dive into why you, not just the nursing home, need to take responsibility for your loved one’s health and how easy it is to spot the warning signs of these dangerous wounds.
What Are Pressure Ulcers—and Why They’re More Dangerous Than You Think
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. Most commonly, they develop on bony areas like the heels, tailbone, and elbows. If left untreated, these wounds can quickly worsen, leading to severe infections, sepsis, and ultimately, death. Yes, you read that right—pressure ulcers kill, and they kill fast.
Why do they become so dangerous? When a pressure ulcer breaks through the skin, it becomes an open wound, providing an entry point for harmful bacteria and infections. These infections can spread to the bloodstream and become life-threatening in a matter of days. The longer they go unchecked, the more lethal they can become.
Skin: The Body’s First Line of Defense – Why It Deserves More Attention
For many people, checking their loved one’s skin, especially in sensitive areas, can feel uncomfortable, but it’s also critical. The skin is the body’s largest organ, and its job is to protect against infections. When it’s compromised by pressure ulcers, it’s no longer serving its protective function, and that’s where the real danger lies.
Pressure ulcers start when pressure is applied to the skin for prolonged periods, often because a person is bedridden or immobile. Without proper blood flow to the area, the skin breaks down, leading to open sores. The damage can start small, but if not addressed, it can spiral out of control into a fatal infection.
You Can’t Always Trust Others to Look Out for Your Loved One’s Health
It’s easy to think that nursing home staff are doing everything they can to care for your loved one. However, the harsh reality is that many nursing homes are understaffed and overworked, and bedsores can develop even under the best of circumstances. That’s why it’s essential to take the responsibility of inspecting your loved one’s skin seriously.
Nursing homes may claim to be checking for pressure ulcers regularly, but unless you’re actively involved in your loved one’s care, it’s impossible to know for sure. Experts recommend that you inspect your loved one’s skin at least once a week if they’re immobile or bed-bound. If you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, you can hire a caregiver to help. Your loved one’s life may depend on it.
The Consequences of Neglect – What Happens When Pressure Ulcers Go Untreated
If you fail to monitor your loved one for pressure ulcers, the consequences can be catastrophic. Neglecting tasks like repositioning an immobile resident or cleaning them properly can lead to skin breakdowns, infections, and even death.
Take a look at what happens when proper care isn’t provided:
- Infections: Bacteria enter the body through open sores, leading to sepsis.
- Contractures: Immobile residents who aren’t repositioned can develop contractures, where bones fuse in place, leading to permanent disability.
- Death: Untreated pressure ulcers can eventually lead to sepsis—a life-threatening infection that can spread throughout the body and cause multiple organ failure.
Neglecting basic care can also lead to other serious issues, like malnutrition, dehydration, and failure to take medication. A simple mistake—like not feeding your loved one properly or missing insulin doses—can have serious repercussions for their health.
Don’t Just Check for Pressure Ulcers—Audit Their Overall Health
It’s not just about pressure ulcers. As a family member, it’s your responsibility to be aware of the overall condition of your loved one. Performing an audit of their health means looking for other red flags, such as:
- Dehydration: Sunken eyes, dry skin, cracked lips.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden or unintentional weight loss can indicate that your loved one isn’t being properly cared for.
- Swelling: Keep an eye out for swelling in their hands, feet, or ankles.
- Poor Hygiene: Look for signs that they’re not being bathed or changed regularly.
Taking the time to check for these issues will give you a better understanding of how your loved one is being treated—and help you spot potential problems before they escalate.
Taking Action – What to Do if You Find a Pressure Ulcer
Don’t Wait—Address the Issue Immediately
If you find signs of a pressure ulcer, don’t hesitate to take action. Here’s what you can do:
- Report It to the Nursing Home: Notify staff immediately and document everything.
- Take Photos: If possible, take clear photos of the ulcer so you have a record of its condition.
- Request a Plan of Action: Ask the nursing home staff what they plan to do to address the issue.
- Seek Help if Needed: If you feel your loved one’s care isn’t being addressed properly, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice or report the situation to regulatory authorities.
It’s important to take pressure ulcers seriously and act quickly to prevent further complications. If you’ve found that your loved one’s health has been compromised due to neglect, it’s essential to take swift action.
Conclusion: Vigilance and Advocacy Can Save Your Loved One’s Life
Caring for a loved one in a nursing home is a huge responsibility, and sometimes it’s easy to leave their care in the hands of the staff. But if you truly want to protect your loved one’s health, you need to be vigilant. Regular skin inspections and being aware of other health issues can save their life.
Remember, pressure ulcers kill, but they don’t have to. Your vigilance can make all the difference in your loved one’s care and quality of life. Don’t wait until it’s too late to take action. If you’ve noticed signs of pressure ulcers or neglect in your loved one’s care, don’t wait to take action.
Schedule a free case evaluation with an attorney at Williams DeLoatche, P.C. today to discuss your options. Call us at 757-547-5555.