Bedsores in Aurora Nursing Homes 

When an older loved one moves from their house to a nursing home, you naturally want the individual to receive customized care for their specific needs. Yet bedsores in Aurora nursing homes are among the problems plaguing these facilities due to negligent or abusive staff members. If your elderly family member has bedsores after entering an assisted living facility, it is time to take action.

In addition to removing the loved one from the nursing home, contact a dedicated lawyer to discuss filing a legal claim. Nursing home abuse is a problem throughout the country, with each state encouraging family members to report abuse to their respective Departments of Human Services.

Bedsore Definition & Causes

Bedsores are types of external ulcers that appear on different areas of the body in reaction to pressure. Also known as pressure sores, pressure ulcers, pressure injuries, and decubitus ulcers, they typically occur when an individual is bedridden for an extended period of time. Most individuals who sustain the ulcers have mobility issues. However, negligent care often plays a role. Even if the individual cannot move by themselves, they can avoid pressure injuries with the right care. A healthy diet, routine turning and positioning on the bed, and proper skincare prevent pressure sores in Aurora nursing facilities from occurring or worsening.

Symptoms, Risk Factors, & Complications

Pressure injuries usually appear on the:

• Buttocks
• Hips
• Tailbone
• Back of the head
• Shoulder blades
• Heels of the feet
• Sides and backs of the knees

Symptoms are divided into four stages. During stage one, the affected area looks red and feels warm. If the individual has darker skin, the sore can take on a bluish or purple tint. Pressure sores can also feel itchy, painful, or include burning sensations. In stage two, the sore may have blistered or turned into an open wound that is discolored and even more painful.

Stage three bedsores in Aurora assisted living and nursing facilities include damage below the skin’s surface, giving the wounds crater-like appearances. By stage four, the affected areas have sustained severe damage and can become infected. They can even damage muscle, bone, and tendon tissue.

Some people are more prone to ulcers than others due to pre-existing health conditions, such as individuals with diabetes or blood circulation problems. An unhealthy diet also increases the risk of pressure injuries because the immune system is not functioning at an optimal level.

Potential Complications

Individuals in Aurora nursing facilities with pressure ulcers might not see clear skin again for months or even a full year. The injuries take time to heal once established, especially if they become infected. An infection can cause chills and fever as it spreads through the body, as well as confusion, weakness, and rapid heartbeat. Treatment includes relieving the pressure, keeping the wound(s) clean, removing damaged or dead tissue, providing a healthy diet, and using other treatments such as negative pressure wound therapy and skin grafts depending on the injury’s severity.

Discuss Your Loved One’s Bedsore Case with an Attorney Today

If an older family member has bedsores from nursing facility neglect or abuse, speak with one of our attorneys today. Our firm works on cases involving bedsores in Aurora nursing homes to raise awareness of facility abuses and help families keep their loved ones safe.

Contact our office today to learn what our team can do for you and your family.