Illinois Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers
Bed sores, which are also known as pressure sores or pressure ulcers, are one of the most common signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. Bedsores are caused by unrelieved pressure to the skin and can lead to serious health problems, such as infections and other life-threatening injuries. They occur most frequently to areas of the body where bone and skin are in close contact, such as the hips, back, elbow, ankles, and heels.
Nursing home residents are particularly at risk for bedsores because they often remain sedentary in a bed or wheelchair. In fact, one in 10 nursing home residents suffers from a bed sore, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
Bedsores can be prevented, however, through proper nursing home care and assistance. Prevention is the best form of treatment of bed sores, since once a bed sore is visible, it is quite advanced and requires a slow, painful recovery process. If you or a loved one is suffering from bed sores as a result of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact the knowledgeable Chicago personal injury lawyers at Ankin Law Offices, LLC. We are dedicated to protecting the victims of nursing home abuse and neglect.
Bed Sore Prevention
Bed sores can be prevented by adequate nursing home care. Nursing home staff should take the appropriate steps to prevent or minimize bed sores, including:
- Changing patient’s position regularly – every 15 minutes if the patient is in a wheelchair and at least every two hours if the patient is in a bed.
- Inspecting the patient’s skin daily and keeping skin clean and dry. Any signs of skin damage, foul smell, infection or tenderness should promptly be treated.
- Ensuring proper nutrition.
- Assisting patient with daily exercise. Exercise has been shown to increase health by promoting blood flow throughout the body, fostering a positive mood, and encouraging socialization, all of which are extremely important to nursing home residents.
Committed to Protecting the Victims of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
The Chicago personal injury law firm of Ankin Law Offices is dedicated to protecting the victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. We understand that the signs of nursing home abuse or neglect may be difficult to discover and we are prepared to consult with the appropriate medical experts as we conduct a thorough factual investigation to determine whether the nursing home or its staff were negligent in their care of patients and residents.
If you or a loved one has suffered bed sores or other injury as a result of nursing home abuse or neglect, do not hesitate to contact the knowledgeable Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys at Ankin Law Offices to schedule a free consultation.
