In order for hospitals to reduce the rate of bed sores (also commonly referred to as: pressure ulcers, pressure sores or decubitus ulcers), the facility first must acknowledge that bed sores acquired in a hospital setting are a real problem.
Hospital administrators should take note of the program implemented by Texas Arlington Memorial Hospital to reduce [...]
‘Turning’ refers to exactly what it sounds like– turning the patient to prevent the build-up of pressure on the skin that can result in the development of bed sores. Turning is universally considered to be the most important factor in bed sore prevention. Yet, despite its universal acceptance, many facilities (hospitals and nursing homes) fail [...]
... more »Yes. By some accounts, more that 50% of the people living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities may have some type of bladder or bowl control problems. Although widely used, incontinence can be defined as the uncontrolled elimination of urine or fecal material from the body.
Despite its prevalence, incontinence is often treatable. Any resident [...]
‘Tissue tolerance’ refers to the ability of the skin and underlying tissue to tolerate exposure to pressure without adverse effects. Tissue tolerance is done by examining the skin and tissue after the pressure has been been applied and relieved. After pressure to the area has been relieved, the following assessment should be completed by skilled [...]
... more »Turning refers to the repositioning of a patient at fixed time intervals– usually at least every two hours or as directed by a physician. Turning is done to ensure adequate blood circulation to the area. Blood circulation is crucial to reduce the development of bed sores. Many facilities have incorporated ‘turning charts’ to help staff [...]
... more »The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA) set forth regulations for nursing homes to comply with in exchange for their receipt of Medicare funding. The regulations are extensive and cover most aspects of patient care. These regulations are known as ‘F-Tags’ which collectively form the standard of care for nursing home residents.
F-Tag 314 (codified [...]
Yes. Individuals who have a low body mass (BMI) are particularly susceptible to bed sores due to their overall weakened condition and the increased pressure over bony prominences (hips, back, elbows, heels, ect.) In a study of 484 elderly patients with an average age of 79-years-old, 16.7% of the individuals developed bed sores in a [...]
... more »The Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk is a universally accepted tool to help staff in nursing homes and hospitals identify individuals who may be at risk for developing bed sores (also called decubitus ulcers, pressure sores or pressures ulcers). The Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk evaluates each resident in the following [...]
... more »No. Currently, there is only one state, New Jersey, that has even proposed such legislation. Unlike normal spring-filled mattresses, pressure relieving mattresses have multiple layers of foam padding or alternating air pressure reduce the amount of pressure and friction put on bony parts of the body prone that are prone skin break-drown and ultimately development [...]
... more »Federal law requires that nursing homes have bed sore prevention program.
... more »No. Bed sores are preventable–with proper screening, early detection, and staff involvement.
... more »No. To date, only one state, New Jersey, has enacted any legislation to promote the use of pressure relieving mattresses in nursing homes
Unlike normal spring-filled mattresses, pressure relieving mattresses steadily inflate and deflate to reduce the amount of pressure and friction put on bony parts that are prone to skin breakdown and ultimately, the development [...]
The following steps are widely accepted as helping bed sore prevention…
... more »The use of pressure relieving mattresses is of particular importance to individuals who may be at heightened risk for developing bed sores.
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Jonathan Rosenfeld is a lawyer who represents people injured in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Jonathan has represented victims of nursing home abuse and neglect throughout Illinois and across the country. Jonathan's reputation as an aggressive advocate for the rights of the injured has resulted in millions of dollars recovered on behalf of his clients. Jonathan's successful representation of nursing home victims has resulted in many speaking engagements to elder groups.