New Mexico residents like you trust in the care facilities watching over your loved ones to do a good job. Unfortunately, neglect is an issue in the care industry and you may run into it yourself someday. Today, we’ll take a look at one possible sign of neglect: bedsores.
How are bedsores formed, exactly? Mayo Clinic states that these pressure ulcers are the result of prolonged pressure on the skin. As the name implies, one of the most common ways to get bedsores is if you spend an extended amount of time on bedrest. These injuries are therefore most often seen on victims of accidents or illnesses, people with medical conditions who cause them to spend much of their time sitting or laying down, or on the elderly. They most often appear on the bony areas of the body, such as over the heels, hips, ankles, and tailbone.
The best way to prevent bedsores is by moving the patient around. In a medical or care setting, this can involve coming in frequently to flip the person over or rearrange them to a new position. It is therefore a sign of neglect if a patient ends up forming bedsores. This shows that they are left lying or sitting in the same position for an extended period of time – long enough for the sores to form.
Have you noticed bedsores on your loved one? If you have, it may be an indication that they are being neglected at the care facility. Thus, it may benefit you to contact an attorney who can look more into the situation with you.