Bed Sores, much worse than they sound

Lauren Ellerman

Contributor

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Have you ever heard of a pressure ulcer? Bed sore? Decubitus ulcer? Fancy terms for the same thing - a wound created because excessive pressure on the skin, causes skin breakdown. These wounds occur frequently in long term care settings. Now, by stating they occur frequently, I am not implying that pressure ulcers are not preventable, or treatable. I am stating the simple, but true fact, that thousands of our long term care residents suffer from wounds.

So if they are caused by excessive pressure, they can be avoided by preventinge excessive pressure. Turning schedules, good nutrition, getting residents up, out of bed, out of their chairs - these are ways to prevent pressure ulcers.

So what if your loved one has one - is it serious? In short, YES. Pressure ulcers can become so deep that bone, muscle and tissue are exposed. This exposure provides direct access of bacteria, infection etc - to the blood stream. In addition, gangrene can result, as well as many other horrrible complications.

They are a very common, yet very serious problem in nursing homes, assisted living facilitis and hospitals. If your loved one has one, insist on seeing it - and if it doesn't heal, take them to a wound care specialist, immediately. We see families all the time, that assume they are healing and by the time they learn otherwise, it's too late.

Call our firm if you have a question about pressure ulcers in Virginia or West Virginia.

For more information on this subject matter, please refer to our section on Medical Malpractice and Negligent Care.