Bed Sores, Malnutrition and Dehydration Are Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Written by Adam Peck Category: Nursing Homes January 23rd, 2013 1 min read

According to official figures more than 75,000 people died in hospitals in 2010 after having experienced neglect and poor care from hospital staff.

Most if not all were affected by bedsores and infected wounds, others died after becoming dehydrated and malnourished says Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck. The death toll from bedsores and wound infections has risen substantially in the last 10 years.

The figures are shocking because bedsores are fully preventable in the majority of cases. When a patient spends longer periods in bed, they need to regularly turn and shift their body position to avoid excessive pressure on tissues. However, when patients are not able to move on their own it is the hospital staff’s responsibility to check for tissue damage and to turn patients.

Even though not all fatalities were directly caused by infected wounds and bedsores, the fact that they affected such a huge number of patients suggests very poor level of care says Peck.

Bedsores, Pressure Sores and Decubitus Ulcers are frequently listed on death certificates many other elders also die of blood poisoning, sepsis, primarily caused by wound infections. Malnutrition and Dehydration are other major signs of nursing home abuse and neglect.

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.