What should I do if my family member develops bed sores during an admission to a nursing home?

The first thing that should be done is to see to it that your loved one gets the medical care they require and is seen by medical professionals who concentrate in treating individuals with bed sores.

After medical care is obtained, getting in contact the your state’s department of health or local ombudsman is probably a good idea.  Officials at a department of health and your local ombudsman are trained to identify how and why a dangerous medical condition– such as a bed sore developed.

State department of heath officials and ombudsman are vested with powers that allow them immediate access to patient medical charts and nursing home staff that may have knowledge of the event.  Consequently, these officials can help provide answers as to how a condition developed or injury occurred.  Especially in the case of inspectors (also referred to as surveyors), a report is generated that can be very helpful should you choose to move forward with pursuing a claim or lawsuit against a facility.  Copies of the findings as well as complete copies of the investigation may be obtained via each state’s Freedom of Information Act.

Resource:

National Long Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center- provides contact information for ombudsman in every state.