How much money does it cost to pursue a claim or lawsuit for bed sores?

Your financial circumstances should not be a hindrance when it comes to pursuing a claim or lawsuit against a facility where a loved ones bed sores developed.  Most claims and lawsuits stemming from the development of bed sores during a hospitalization or admission to a nursing home can be pursued with little or no out-of-pocket [...]

Can bed sores cause cellulitis?

Yes. Cellulitis is a bacterial (usually staph or strep) infection in the skin and the underlying connective tissue that usually is associated with pain, swelling and discoloration.  Patients with open wounds caused by bed sores are susceptible to contracting cellulitis as the wound provides easy access for the bacteria to enter the body.  When left untreated, [...]

Can spinal cord injury patients with bed sores develop autonomic dysreflexia?

Autonomic Dysreflexia (or hyperreflexia) is a dangerous condition that can occur with bed sore patients or patients with spinal cord injuries above the middle of the chest (usually above T-5). Autonomic dysreflexia occurs when an irritation or pain (frequently caused by bed sores) below the level of the spinal cord injury sends a signal [...]

Are nursing home or hospital patients with a cast at risk for developing bed sores?

Yes.  The combination of limited mobility associated with a heavy cast, the constant pressure on areas of the body and a moist environment are all factors that may contribute to the development of bed sores in patients who have casts on their arms or legs. Nursing homes and hospitals should be aware of the potential [...]

How do medical facilities assess healing bed sores?

In order to maximize the effectiveness of bed sore treatment, medical facilities need to monitor bed sores as they heal.  Most medical facilities assess how well a bed sore (also called: decubitus ulcer, pressure ulcer or pressure sore) is healing based on the size of the wound and the physical characteristics.  The size of the [...]

Why are mentally disabled patients at risk for developing bed sores?

Mentally disabled patients are at a heightened risk for developing bed sores primarily due to the fact that they may be completely reliant upon staff in a nursing home or hospital for their care.  Unfortunately, some mentally disabled patients my physically look well and the staff may mistakenly believe that they do not require assistance [...]

Why are physically disabled patients at risk for developing bed sores?

Bed sores are common problem facing physically challenged patients in nursing homes and hospitals alike.  The primary reason physically disabled patients are at risk for developing bed sores (similarly called: decubitus ulcers, pressure ulcers or pressure sores) is because they are reliant upon caretakers to take the necessary steps to prevent bed sores.
In particular, physically [...]

Can malnutrition cause bed sores?

Yes.  As unbelievable as it sounds, some patients are literally starving in nursing homes and hospitals across the country.  When patients are not given adequate nutrition, organs begin to fail and critical body functions begin to deteriorate.
As the largest organ of the body, the skin is one of the first places where the consequences of [...]

Can dehydration contribute to the development of bed sores?

Yes. Dehydration occurs when a person does not receive enough liquid through oral consumption or via a feeding tube. Inadequate fluid consumption results in imbalance of the bodies chemistry and reduction of blood volume.  Changes in blood volume and chemistry typically interfere with circulation.  The decrease in circulation translates to inadequate supply of oxygen and [...]

What legal action can be taken if a bed sore developed during an admission to a long-term care facility?

If you or a loved one developed a bed sore during an admission to a long-term care facility (assisted living facility, nursing home or group home), your first step should be to get appropriate medical care for them.  After medical care is obtained, you may wish to file a complaint against the facility where the [...]

Are bed sore patients at risk for amyloidosis?

Elderly nursing home residents, especially those suffering from other diseases such as bed sores, have a higher risk of developing amyloidosis, a disease which can damage various tissues and organs.  This can cause dangerous complications in residents who are already weak from advanced age or underlying disease.
Amyloidosis is a group of diseases caused by abnormal deposits [...]

Are bed sores on the heels common?

Yes. Call them what you’d like bed sore, pressure sores or decubitus ulcer on heels are the second most common area for bed sores to develop (after the buttock or coccyx area).  Particularly in the bed-bound population, patients are susceptible to developing bed sores on their heels due to the inherent bony prominences and thin [...]

What are the causes of bed sores?

Bed sores are the result of unrelieved pressure on the body.  Constant pressure results in the reduction of blood supply to the muscle and tissue— eventually causing the tissue to die.  Frequently, bed sores are found in nursing home and hospital patients who are are kept in one position for too long without being turned [...]

What areas of the body are prone to develop bed sores?

Bed sores can develop in any area of the body where pressure is continually applied without relief.  Most frequently, we see bed sores in areas of the body that bear a majority of a person’s body weight when they sit or lay in one position for long periods of time such as:

Buttocks
Sacrum
Heels
Back

In addition predominate weight-bearing [...]

Why do some wound clinics and nursing homes suggest the use of Clinitron beds for patients with bed sores?

A Clinitron bed is specially designed bed for people with bed sores (also referred to as decubitus ulcer, pressure sores or pressure ulcers).  Clinitron beds use ‘air fluidized therapy’ (AFT) to reduce pressure on areas of the body and to assist in the wound healing process. Clinitron beds are designed to dissipate heat and moisture [...]