Are assisted living facilities responsible for the prevention of bed sores in their patients?

As our elderly population rapidly expands, so has the group of non-traditional facilities that hold themselves out as quality caregivers. Today, facilities such as: assisted living facilities, group homes and adult day care centers share the responsibility of caring for our most vulnerable citizens — the elderly– along with more traditional nursing homes.

Understandably, many elderly are drawn to these nursing-home-alternative facilities because they may provide increased independence and because they provide an alternative to the generic qualities associated with large nursing homes.

Unfortunately, many of the assisted living facilities, group homes and adult day care facilities are not intended to provide the skilled nursing and medical care, some of their patients clearly require. Similarly, the extensive federal and state regulations that apply to nursing homes do not apply to this ‘new’ group of care facilities.

Nonetheless, there is an implicit agreement on the part assisted living facilities (along with group homes and adult day care centers) that when they agree to care for their patients, they are agreeing to take necessary steps to prevent their patients from harm and the development of bed sores.

Should a resident of an assisted living facility develop a bed sore (or similarly referred to as: pressure ulcer, pressure sore or decubitus ulcer) during an admission, the facility should obtain medical attention for the person immediately and / or have them transferred to a more appropriate type of medical facility immediately.

When a person develops bed sores during an admission to an assisted living facility, they may be entitled to pursue cause of action due to the facilities negligence.

Related:

• Are Group Homes A Viable Alternative To Nursing Homes?
• Family Claims Assisted Living Facilities Neglect Resulted In Death Of Mentally Disabled Woman