We believe that it is essential to notice warning signs of bed sores and pressure ulcers as soon as possible in order to limit potential health issues down the road. Although bed sores are vaguely noticeable on the skin in the early stages, these wounds can quickly intensify and significantly impact the health of individuals. Bed sore attorneys stress the importance of frequently changing positions, especially in hospital beds and wheelchairs, as well as frequent skin examinations to catch bed sores before they develop. The risks are great when dealing with pressure sores and early prevention is the only way to ensure the health of loved ones.
The Beginning Stage of Bed Sores
As pressure sores begin to develop, the skin will remain intact. This may confuse people into believing that it is simply a skin rash rather than the development of something more severe. People with a lighter complexion will notice that their skin is becoming red. Individuals with darker skin may not notice any significant changes in the coloring of the skin. People will also notice that their skin will not blanch, or briefly lighten, when it is touched or pressure is asserted.
Finally, bed sore attorneys say that the location of the bed sore may bring about many different sensations in patients. The pressure sore could be painful as skin begins to deteriorate. The skin may also begin to feel increasingly firm or soft, which will differ among individuals. The site of the pressure sore may also feel warmer or cooler than the other surrounding skin. All of these different appearances and sensations should be a warning sign that a bed sore is beginning to develop and medical attention is immediately necessary. We firmly believe that this discomfort forces many people to realize that they are not suffering from a normal rash therefore they immediately seek help and hopefully prevent a tragic outcome.
Bed Sore Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia
If you or a loved one has recently suffered from a bed sore due to improper medical care or neglect, it is possible that you would like to speak with a bed sore attorney. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.
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First of, if you have any concerns, consult with an experienced attorney as well as appropriate state agencies. Telltale signs of nursing home abuse are the presence of bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers. Bed sores occur when a nursing home patient is left immobile in one position for too long, causing skin in sensitive areas to loose circulation. This causes tissue damage and eventually kills the skin cells. If caught early and treated properly, bed sores can be easily remedied. However, if neglected, a bed sore can progress past stage two, causing serious health problems for affected nursing home residents.
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The family of a 78 year old Lois McCallister, a patient at the Quadrangle nursing home in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, placed a “nanny cam” in view of their relative after she complained of being punched, slapped, and otherwise abused by the staff members. McCallister, who suffers from dementia, also showed signs of bruising on her left hand and wrist. The “nanny cam” caught a nursing home employee striking McCallister in the face and head. The hidden camera also caught nursing home employees laughing at and mocking the mental condition of McCallister for over 12 minutes, while she stood naked trying to cover her breasts. This is an especially egregious example of how cruel some staff members at nursing homes treat their residents. As a result of these incidents, several members of the staff at the Quadrangle nursing home have been placed under arrest.
It is important that nursing home staff be fully trained in how to deal with the special needs of nursing home patients so that physical abuse does not occur. It is also important that a patient’s family be aware of the signs of abuse. Some of the more obvious signs are bruising, cuts, unexplained marks, broken bones, and a variety of injuries in various stages of healing. It is also important to listen to the patient. A resident’s report of violent behavior, such as being hit or mistreated, must be investigated. Sometimes, a nursing home patient’s sudden change in behavior can be a sign of nursing home abuse or neglect and should absolutely be investigated.