Residents With Bed Sores Are More Likely Than Not Subject to Death In a Long Term Care Facility says California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck

Written by Adam Peck Category: Decubitus Ulcers, Pressure Sores and Bed Sores April 1st, 2013 3 min read

According to a study performed by the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA), seniors who develop bedsores also known as pressure sores and decubitus ulcers are more likely to die while at the hospital. In addition, patients with bedsores are also more likely to have a longer hospital stay and be admitted more than once.

The study, which can be now be found in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society, followed over 50,000 elderly patients in hospitals across the nation throughout 2006 and 2007. The study found that the majority of patients who were admitted to the hospital with bed sores were victims of previous chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, pulmonary disease, and more.

At least 4.5% of the bed sores were acquired while staying in the hospital. However, it’s important to note that bed sores are also an overwhelming problem in nursing homes across the nation. Close to 3,000 of the patients already had bed sores before their hospital stay, which could have possibly stemmed from nursing home abuse and neglect, improper care by loved ones, or pre-existing conditions.

According to Dr. Courtney Lyder, head dean at UCLA’s nursing department and the lead investigator of the study, the most serious types of bed sores are the ones that are acquired while the patients are in the hospital:

“Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers also known as Bed Sores and Decubitus Ulcers were shown to be an important risk factor associated with mortality,”

If you have an elderly loved one, it’s imperative to always check for bed sores and take proactive measures to prevent them. Be certain that their position is changed often if they are unable to move around. In addition, make sure they eat a well-balanced meal and drink plenty of water each day. If your loved one is in a nursing home, be sure to check for bed sores consistently and follow up with caregivers to ensure that preventative measures are being executes.

The PECK LAW GROUP specializes in personal injury matters relating to Serious and Catastrophic Injury, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, Bed Sores, Decubitus Ulcers, and Pressure Sores, Medical Malpractice, Surgery Errors, Traumatic Brain Injury, Birth Injury and Wrongful Death that are determined to be a breach of the standard of care. Our experts and our attorneys have superior knowledge and know how in handling these type of matters from inception to Trial if need be. You will receive superior representation and of course the best possible result based upon our know how and expertise.

Call us Now. THE PECK LAW GROUP In Southern California at (818) 908-0509; In Northern California at (925) 808-5708; or all across the United States toll free at (866) 999-9085.

When the patient died, Herman said, the nursing home was owned by Horizon West Healthcare, which in 2010 was hit with $29.1 million in elder abuse damages in connection with the death of a patient at another of its facilities.

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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.