Prolonged Sitting Exposes Elders and Dependant Adults to Decubitus Ulcers, Pressure Ulcers and Bedsores says Elder Abuse Lawyer Steven Peck

Written by Adam Peck Category: Nursing Homes January 23rd, 2013 2 min read

Prolonged sitting by a person in a wheelchair exposes that person to a high risk of
decubitus ulcers. Decubitus ulcers are lesions ranging from areas with “intact skin
with non-blanchable redness” (stage I) to full thickness tissue loss with exposed
bone, tendon or muscle” (stage IV) (National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel 2007).
We use the term “decubitus ulcer” rather than “pressure sore” or “pressure ulcer”
because, as explained in this article, pressure is only one of many factors leading
to formation of a lesion says Los Angeles Elder Abuse Attorney Steven Peck.

It is difficult for most people to understand the devastating consequences that
can result from decubitus ulcers. For a person who normally uses a wheelchair,
it can mean months of bed rest and hospitalization indicates San Diego

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck.

In addition, after a decubitus ulcer has healed, the skin never fully recovers.
Scarring, adhesions and tissue loss in the wake of a decubitus ulcer heighten
future risk. Finally, as a person ages, tissue and circulation gradually become
less resilient and viable.

Because of the effects of aging, the margin of safety for people using wheelchairs
narrows year by year, and the likelihood of something triggering a skin breakdown
increases. Decubitus ulcers can destroy careers, upend lifestyles, reduce
independence and lead to depression. They can ultimately lead to repeated
amputations reaching the trans-pelvic level. Septic conditions can be very
difficult to control and lead to death. Fifty percent of all admissions and 8% of
all deaths at specialized spinal cord-injury hospitals are due to decubitus
ulcers also known as pressure ulcers and bed sores.

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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.