Pressure ulcers (also called bed sores, pressure sores and decubitus ulcers) are lesions in the skin which typically form due to constant pressure on bony prominences of the body which decreases the blood flow to those areas.  Common areas where pressure ulcers form are the sacrum and coccyx bone, often referred to as the tailbone.  There are four classifications of pressure ulcers which indicate the severity of the ulcer.  A “Stage I” pressure ulcer presents as an area of persistent defined redness of intact skin.  A “Stage II” pressure ulcer presents as an abrasion or blister in the skin involving partial skin loss.  Full skin loss and damage to or necrosis of underlying tissue is indicative of a “Stage III” pressure ulcer.  Finally, the most severe pressure ulcer is a “Stage IV” ulcer which presents as full skin loss and extensive damage to or necrosis extending through tissue to muscle or bone.

Pressure ulcers are often preventable.  Nursing homes are obligated to identify individuals at risk for pressure ulcers and form and implement a care plan to prevent pressure ulcers.  There are numerous risk factors for the development of pressure ulcers.  The following are common risk factors:

• immobility (often as a result of fractures sustained during falls)
• poor nutrition and hydration
• peripheral vascular disease
• diabetes

Those are just a few factors that can increase an individual’s risk for the development of pressure ulcers.  Nursing homes can prevent the formation of pressure ulcers by constantly turning and repositioning residents to ensure the residents are not putting unrelieved pressure on any certain area of the body.  In addition, the nursing home should provide residents with appropriate nutritional and hydrational support.  Regular bathing is also important.  There are pressure relieving devices such as special mattresses, beds, heel protectors and boots which can help prevent pressure ulcers by alleviating pressure to areas where the resident is at risk.

If you believe that a loved one may be the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse in the State of Illinois, you should take action quickly and contact us online or call us at 877-374-1417 or 312-332-2872 TO SET UP A FREE CONSULTATION.