When an elderly resident develops bed sores, is the nursing home responsible?

Kentucky nursing home residents do not deserve to suffer from preventable bed sores. 

Why are bed sores a problem in Kentucky nursing homes? 
There are two reasons: First, bed sores are very difficult to cure, and second, if left untreated bed sores can quickly degrade into serious and painful tissue injuries, which can lead to life threatening infections.  Nursing homes can be held accountable when bed sores are allowed to develop, because they can be prevented. 
How do we prove negligence when bedsores are discovered? 
If a resident develops bed sores in a Kentucky nursing home, they should be reported immediately and dealt with promptly.  If bed sores (also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers) are not treated quickly and correctly, serious complications can result.  How can we tell that a nursing home has been negligent in treating a patient with bed sores?  We ask some of the following questions: 

1. Did the nursing home properly assess the patient according to the Braden scale when they were first admitted?
2. Were the assessment results correctly taken into account when staff developed the resident's care plan?
3. Did staff follow the care plan, or are they guilty of ‘false charting'? 

What are some of the things Kentucky nursing homes do to prevent bed sores? 
When taking an elderly person under their care, nursing homes should immediately identify the ones who are more at risk of developing pressure ulcers, and work out the appropriate care plan. Nursing homes should also check all residents on a frequent and regular basis to make sure bed sores are detected before they reach a more dangerous stage, and to adjust the care plan in the relevant cases. Care givers must ensure that:

• the resident is kept clean and dry;
• nourishing food is served during meals and adequate hydration is available at all times;
• immobilized persons are repositioned very frequently to relieve the pressure;
• support devices are used to prevent injuring troublesome areas;
• and great care is given to avoid friction and shear when moving and posturing patients. 

Who is more at risk to develop pressure ulcers? 
Elderly nursing home residents who are confined to a wheel chair or bed and who cannot change positions without help are at a very high risk of developing bed sores. A loss of bladder or bowel control, and abundant perspiration are other important contributing factors because of the irritating effect of moisture. Bed sores are more likely to form if the patient is malnourished or dehydrated. Finally, an individual with a lower mental awareness may not sense the development of the injury and fail to correct his position or ask for help.
 Over the years, the attorneys of Louisville-based Gray and White Law have focused on abuse and neglect cases in Kentucky nursing homes, accumulating considerable experience and skill at uncovering the facts, establishing responsibilities and obtaining just compensation for victims and their loved ones. 
Do not hesitate to contact Gray and White Law to arrange a free consultation if you suspect a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect. Call us today toll free (800) 634-8767 or locally at (502) 210-8942' or send us an e-mail .

Gray and White Law work with clients in all Kentucky counties including:  Jefferson, Bullitt, Fayette, Daviess, Livingston, Warren, Shelby, Meade, Boone, Gallatin, Campbell, Oldham, Spencer, Barren, McCracken, Carroll, Henry and Hardin. 

In addition they handle cases in most Kentucky cities including: Louisville, Elizabethtown, Owensboro, Paducah, Bowling Green, Covington, Florence, Frankfort, Lexington, Elizabethton, Shelbyville, Taylorsville, Shepherdsville, Brooks, Radcliff, Ft. Knox, Carrolton, Newport, Bardstown, and La Grange.

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Blog for Bed Sores

• Bedsore Complications as a Result of Nursing Home Abuse in Kentucky
• Filing a Louisville Nursing Home Claim for Bed Sores

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Library for Bed Sores:

• Nursing Home Abuse in Kentucky: Bed Sores and Neglect of the Elderly (Part B)   
  Nursing home abuse Kentucky is often denoted by bed sores. A Louisville nursing home abuse lawyer can help if your loved one was a victim: 800-634-8767.
• Nursing Home Abuse in Kentucky: Bed Sores and Neglect of the Elderly (Part A)   
  Nursing home abuse in Kentucky may include bed sores and other forms of neglect. A Louisville nursing home abuse lawyer can help. Call: 1-800-634-8767.

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Frequent Questions for Bed Sores:

• How are bedsores prevented, and why do they sometimes indicate nursing home abuse in Louisville?p

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Case Results for Bed Sores:

• Confidential Settlement for Multiple Stage 4 Bed Sores
• Confidential Settlement for Stage 4 bed sores