Bedsores, also called pressure sores or pressure ulcers, are a common problem for people who are trapped in the same position for extended periods of time. This includes the disabled as well as the elderly. Frustratingly, bedsores are a dangerous condition that can form quickly yet are difficult to heal.
First, anyone is at risk for developing pressure sores-people who sit at a desk all day, those who wear chafing or constricting clothing, and those who drive for long periods of time. However, it is a natural tendency for you to feel the urge to shift positions, even if it simply means shifting your weight from one buttock to the other. These simple posture adjustments help you avoid pressure ulcers.
PRESSURE SORES
Bedsores occur when a certain position or article of clothing cuts off the circulation to a small area of your body. Over time, prolonged loss of circulation can cause parts of your body to itch and hurt, as well as feel warm, spongy, or firm to the touch. If this area continues to suffer from a lack of fresh blood and oxygen, it can look like a blister that turns into a crater-like sore. The damage caused by the pressure sore can extend as deep as the bone.
If left untreated, the deep damage caused by the pressure ulcers can result in long-term health complications. You can develop cellulitis, or an infection of your body's connective tissue. If the sore reaches your bones, it can lead to bone and joint infections like osteomyelitis or septic arthritis, respectively. Should bacteria enter your body through the bedsore, you may endure sepsis, or a bacterial infection of the bloodstream. Lastly, the deep cellular damage can also lead to cancer.
Bedsores are a major concern in nursing homes as elderly residents may be wheelchair-bound or bedridden. It is the responsibility of the nursing home staff to regularly help reposition the residents so that they do not develop pressure ulcers.
If an assisted living facility has failed to give your elderly loved one the care and attention that he or she deserves, resulting in pressure sores, you should fight back against this dangerous negligence. To discuss your case, contact an experienced Coral Springs nursing home negligence attorney from the Canter Law Offices, P.A., today.
The Dangers of Bedsores PRESSURE SORES
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