The realization of a dear one developing bed sores in a nursing home haunts any human being. Also regarded as pressure ulcers, bed sores point toward injuries, very much impacting the skin as well as the underlying tissue. This mostly emerges if a lot of pressure has been exerted on the skin for an extended time period. Individuals with less locomotion and who are too much in bed deal with such kinds of problems.
When transferring a patient from a hospital to a nursing home, this must be our main concern. Taking care of it safely and on time will not only keep our loved ones alive but also give us peace of mind. In this comprehensive guide, I have attempted to show you the right way. So, don’t freak out when something like this happens; instead, follow these techniques.
Recognize and Assess the Situation
It all begins with comprehending the real meaning of bed sores and what they look like. Nursing home bed sores have a wide spectrum, from red, unchapped skin to deep injuries that make muscle and bone visible. They generally happen in areas where the bone is too close to the skin and other body parts like ankles, hips, heels, and the tailbone.
If your loved one has developed bed sores, it’s important to assess the severity and take immediate action. Early stages might be manageable with changes in care, but more advanced stages require medical attention.
Communicate with Nursing Home Staff
Once you’ve identified the issue, the next step is to speak with the nursing home staff directly responsible for your loved one’s care. Express your concerns clearly and ask for a detailed plan on how they intend to address the bed sores.
This conversation should also include discussions about preventive measures to avoid future occurrences. It’s important to document these conversations and any steps the facility commits to taking.
Seek Medical Advice
Without proper care, nursing home bed sores can quickly escalate from minor irritations to serious infections. Seeking advice from a healthcare professional outside of the nursing home can provide a second opinion on the severity of the bed sores and the best course of treatment.
This may involve cleaning the wounds, applying dressings, and possibly even surgery for severe cases. A healthcare professional can also guide how to monitor the sores and what signs of improvement to look for.
Understand Your Rights And Options
Knowing your legal rights and the regulatory standards for nursing homes in your area is crucial. If a nursing home wasn’t careful and that led to bed sores, talking to a lawyer who knows a lot about elder care or problems in nursing homes is a good idea. They can help you figure out what to do next, like make a complaint or take legal steps against the nursing home.
By taking these steps, you immediately tackle the bed sores issue and clarify how you want to treat your loved one. It’s essential to ensure care places stick to their care promises to stop neglect or abuse before it starts.
Risks Of Leaving Nursing Home Bed Sores Untreated
Nobody would ever want their beloved to go through a painful situation, which is why it is important to take care of the above measures. But what happens if a bed sore is left untreated? A complete knowledge of the topic can further necessitate the process. So, here is a brief idea to help you out:
1. They have a deep impact on tissues
Bedsores cause a lack of blood flow, which the body needs in a certain quantity. And a lack of it causes the skin to become dead in a very short time. There is a chance of damage spreading and getting deeper into the tissue, which might result in permanent loss of the person.
While they look trivial, leaving these sores untreated might cause the individual immense pain and severe life-threatening damage, too.
2. Formation of Gangrene
Although rare, gangrene is definitely a serious infection that mostly happens to diabetic patients. Clostridium bacteria cause it, and they thrive in body parts where there is a low supply of oxygen in the blood.
Nursing home bed sores have toxins in them, which causes immense swelling and suffering for the patient. Hence, it is important to remove dead tissues because they will likely develop gangrene and put the patient in critical danger.
3. Sepsis
Sepsis refers to a fatal response to body infection. It is very common in patients who have been living in nursing homes for a long time. In a study, it has been concluded that almost one-third of sepsis patients cannot survive!
The final stage of bed soreness usually leaves the patient with chronic pain, organ dysfunction, and fatigue. Sometimes, it extends to a limit where the patient has to undergo limb amputation. But the good news is that sepsis is curable if bed sores are treated immediately.
4. Bone Infection
Both osteomyelitis and bone infections are signs of inflammation in the bone marrow and bones. These conditions are generally very serious, and like any other risk, they also need aggressive treatment. From leg bones to pelvic bones, even the vertebrae are likely to be affected by them.
Bone infections caused due to bed sores are curable by antibiotics. But, in most severe cases, there might be amputation needed. Thus, a reputed nursing home should take care of bed sores in a patient and treat them as soon as they are visible.
5. Cellulitis and Cancer
Cellulitis refers to a bacterial infection that impacts soft tissue. Patients dealing with it experience too much swelling, redness, and pain in the affected area. Cellulitis is treatable with antibiotics, provided it is in its initial stage. Otherwise, it becomes life-threatening.
Last but not least, bed sores might also cause cancer, although it is extremely rare. This usually happens when the sore becomes chronic and can never heal completely. It turns to squamous cell carcinoma, which is a form of untreatable cancer. When it becomes too severe, the patient might have to undergo back-to-back surgeries.
Concluding Words: Navigating the Path Forward
Finding out that your loved one has developed bed sores in a nursing home can be a challenging situation to navigate. Knowing the condition, talking clearly with the care place, asking for medical help, and understanding your rights help ensure your loved one stays healthy.
Addressing bed sores promptly and effectively is crucial, but equally important is implementing preventive measures to protect your loved one from future harm. Remember, you are a crucial advocate for your loved one’s care and well-being, and taking these steps can make a significant difference in their quality of life.
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