As attorneys who specialize in nursing home negligence, one of the most heartbreaking conversations we have with families is about bed sores. These painful wounds—also called pressure ulcers by medical professionals—are often preventable with proper care. When we see severe bed sores in nursing home residents, it raises serious concerns about the quality of care they’re receiving.
According to the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel, up to 28% of nursing home residents develop bed sores at some point during their stay. What’s most troubling about this statistic is that many of these cases could have been prevented with proper attention and care.
Understanding Bed Sores: More Than Just Skin Deep
Imagine pressing your finger against your skin for a moment. When you release it, the white spot quickly returns to its normal color as blood flow returns. This simple demonstration illustrates how healthy skin responds to pressure. But when someone lies in the same position for hours without movement, that pressure doesn’t release—and the damage begins.
The Mayo Clinic identifies four distinct stages of pressure injuries:
Stage 1: The Warning Sign
- Skin appears red or discolored
- Area may feel warm and either softer or firmer than surrounding skin
- Patient might complain of burning or itching
- Still preventable with immediate intervention
Stage 2: Breaking Down
- Outer layer of skin is broken
- Shallow open sore or blister appears
- Pain increases significantly
- Requires medical attention but can still heal with proper care
Stage 3: Serious Damage
- A crater-like wound develops
- Damage extends into deeper tissue layers
- Risk of infection increases dramatically
- Requires intensive medical intervention
Stage 4: Critical Condition
- Extensive damage reaching muscle and bone
- High risk of life-threatening complications
- May require surgery
- Often indicates serious neglect
When Does a Bed Sore Indicate Negligence?
Not every bed sore means someone’s been negligent. Some medical conditions make skin breakdown more likely, and even the best care can’t prevent every pressure injury. However, there are clear situations where bed sores strongly suggest negligent care.
Through years of representing families in nursing home cases, we’ve identified several red flags that often indicate negligence:
The facility failed to:
- Conduct regular skin assessments
- Create and follow a turning schedule for immobile residents
- Provide proper nutrition and hydration
- Keep residents clean and dry
- Address early-stage pressure injuries promptly
- Maintain adequate staffing levels to ensure proper care
The Human Cost of Negligence
Let me share a story (with details changed to protect privacy). We represented a family whose mother developed severe bed sores during a three-month nursing home stay. The facility’s records showed they were “turning” her every two hours, but security footage revealed she often went 8-10 hours without being repositioned. This wasn’t just a paperwork problem—it was a fundamental failure of care that caused real suffering.
Taking Action: What You Can Do
If you notice signs of bed sores on your loved one, take these immediate steps:
- Document Everything
- Take dated photos of the wounds
- Note the location and appearance
- Record conversations with staff
- Request copies of all care plans and medical records
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention Have the wounds evaluated by an independent medical professional who can:
- Properly stage the pressure injuries
- Document their findings
- Recommend appropriate treatment
- Provide expert opinion on causation
- Report Your Concerns The Arizona Department of Health Services investigates reports of nursing home neglect. You can file a complaint:
- Online through their secure portal
- By phone: 602-364-2536
- In person at their Phoenix office
Understanding Your Legal Rights
When bed sores develop due to negligent care, families have legal options. A thorough investigation can reveal whether:
- The facility followed proper prevention protocols
- Staff were adequately trained
- Required care plans were developed and followed
- Proper equipment and supplies were available
- Adequate staffing levels were maintained
Prevention: What Good Care Looks Like
Quality nursing homes prevent bed sores through comprehensive care that includes:
- Regular repositioning (typically every two hours)
- Proper nutrition and hydration
- Special pressure-relieving mattresses and cushions
- Prompt attention to any signs of skin breakdown
- Well-trained staff who know how to protect vulnerable residents
Taking the Next Step
If your loved one has developed bed sores in a nursing home, don’t wait to take action. These wounds can deteriorate quickly, leading to serious complications. We understand how overwhelming it can be to challenge a healthcare facility, but remember: your advocacy could protect not just your loved one, but other vulnerable residents as well.
