The Formation of a Decubitus Ulcer (Bedsore) in a Health Care Facility Could Be Considered Neglect

Written by Adam Peck Category: Elder Law January 26th, 2013 3 min read

How do you know if your loved one is being neglected and / or abused in a nursing home or a skilled nursing facility? You happen to be in the nursing home when a nurses aide comes in to attend to your loved one, and you notice a big red spot on the side of the leg. When you question it, the nurses aide claims that it is nothing but a simple limited red spot.. You may be in fact actually looking at what could be considered neglect and abusee in a nursing home or any health care facility.

A decubitus ulcer is commonly known as a bed sore. A decubitus ulcer can be a simple red or pink mark on the skin or it can be as bad as a very deep sore that reaches into the bone or internal organ. They are caused by prolonged pressure on a particular part of the body and are seen on patients who are bedridden (Thus the name, bed sore).

Most nursing facilities have a policy to turn bedridden patients once every two hours in order to prevent decubitus ulcers from forming. If your loved one has these decubitus ulcers, then they are not being turned in the bed as often as required and this is a form of neglect in a nursing home. Check the patient’s medical records to see if in fact the facility has turned the patient at least every two hours.

These decubitus ulcers can lead to further complications, including death if not treated. Therefore, if you have seen decubitus ulcers on your loved one, you should first consult with the doctors and nurses in the facility immediately. If they fail to respond or give you a reasonable answer to why there are decubitus ulcers on your loved one, then you should consider filing a report or a complaint for nursing home neglect and have your loved one transferred to a Hospital that can treat these wounds.

The decubitus ulcer is often painful. So, your loved one may be in severe pain and unable to express their pain. They may be crying for help, but no one is listening. This is neglect. No one should have to suffer the pain of decubitus ulcers. Simply turning or repositioning your loved one every two hours will prevent these ulcers from forming. They should not be there in the first place, but if you do notice them, you should be informed that your loved one is experiencing some form of neglect in their nursing home.

It is true that decubitus ulcers are considered preventable and the development of decubitus ulcers is evidence of some form of neglect. Many paralyzed or terminal individuals with very poor nutrition can be free of these ulcers. This should be accomplished by good patient care. and watching over the patient carefully.

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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.