How To Help a Loved One with Bedsores or Pressure Ulcers

As your loved ones age, you may find yourself making the difficult decision to move a parent, a grandparent, or another loved one into a nursing home or assisted living facility in Oklahoma. These facilities are meant to provide care, treatment, and support for individuals who need it most. However, nursing home abuse and neglect are significant concerns that can have devastating impacts. One common issue in nursing homes is bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers.

Understanding the prevalence of nursing home abuse, recognizing the signs of bedsores, and knowing how to address these issues can help ensure that your loved ones receive the care they deserve and give you peace of mind.

The Maples, Nix & Diesselhorst nursing home team has decades of combined experience working with Oklahoma families seeking justice after nursing home abuse. This article is a guide for you as you seek to understand bedsores/pressure ulcers and nursing home abuse in Oklahoma.

Understanding Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home neglect and abuse encompasses a range of harmful behaviors directed towards residents. Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or a form of neglect. The American Psychological Association and National Center on Elder Abuse identify the following types of abuse and neglect of elders (typically, those above age 60).

Physical Abuse: Involves hitting, restraining, or any form of physical harm inflicted upon residents with enough force to cause unnecessary pain or injury.
Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Includes verbal insults, threats, coercive behavior, isolation, and other forms of psychological harm.
Sexual Abuse: Includes any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior.
Financial Abuse or Exploitation: Includes misuse, embezzlement, or stealing from someone’s accounts or credit cards, as well as changing the names on a will, insurance policy, or bank account.
Neglect: Includes to the failure to provide necessary care, or treatment, which can result in physical harm or psychological distress. Often, bedsores/pressure ulcers are the result of neglect.

Common signs of nursing home abuse include unexplained injuries, sudden changes in behavior, poor personal hygiene, changes in appetite, and isolation from friends and family. Recognizing these signs early is crucial for preventing further harm and seeking justice for the victim.

If you need help after a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse in Oklahoma, contact the Maples, Nix & Diesselhorst team today for a free case evaluation.

Nursing Home Abuse Statistics

Nationwide, the prevalence of abuse in nursing homes is alarmingly high. The CDC estimates that about 1.3 million Americans reside in nursing homes. Among those, a recent study on elder abuse shows that about 10% of those in care experienced abuse and neglect. Studies also suggest that up to one in three nursing homes in the United States experience issues of abuse or neglect. This trend underscores the need for vigilant oversight and advocacy for nursing home residents.

In Oklahoma, the problem of nursing home abuse is equally pressing. Oklahoma Adult Protective Services receives thousands of complaints annually, many involving serious allegations of mistreatment.

Bedsores/Pressure Ulcers: What You Need to Know

Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, are injuries that develop when prolonged pressure impairs blood flow to the skin. They are particularly common among nursing home residents who are immobile or have limited mobility. Bedsores can occur due to extended periods of sitting or lying in one position without adequate support. If incontinent, the lying in one’s own feces or urine will increase the possibility of a pressure ulcer occurring. Contributing factors include poor nutrition, dehydration, and underlying health conditions that affect blood circulation.

Bedsores progress through several stages. In the initial stage, the skin appears red and may feel painful but remains unbroken. As the condition advances, the skin breaks open, forming a shallow wound. In more severe cases, the sore deepens, affecting underlying tissues and potentially exposing bone, muscle, or tendons. If left untreated, bedsores can lead to serious complications, like infections and death.

Identifying Bedsores and Pressure Ulcers

Early detection of bedsores is incredibly important, and providers should stay vigilant to ensure they don’t develop. Common signs of bedsores include redness or discoloration of the skin, tenderness, and warmth in the affected area. As the condition progresses, more severe symptoms, such as open sores and noticeable tissue damage, may emerge. Regular skin inspections, particularly over bony areas like heels, elbows, and the tailbone, can help in early identification.

Preventing bedsores involves several proactive measures, including:

Repositioning immobile individuals every two hours to alleviate pressure on vulnerable areas
Utilizing pressure-relieving devices, such as specialized mattresses and cushions
Ensuring that the individual maintains proper nutrition and hydration
If incontinent, making sure that the resident is not staying in their urine or feces

If you discover the beginning of a bedsore, as described above, or bedsores on a loved one, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. A healthcare professional can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Following wound care protocols, such as regular cleaning and dressing of the sores, is critical. In some cases, advanced medical interventions may be necessary to manage severe bedsores effectively.

How to Help a Loved One with Bedsores

If you discover bedsores on a loved one, taking immediate and appropriate action is imperative. The team of Oklahoma nursing home abuse attorneys at our firm recommend the following actions:

Seek Medical Treatment: Consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. If your loved one requires emergency assistance, call 911.
Report Abuse or Suspected Abuse: Contact Oklahoma Adult Protective Services. They make reporting very straightforward through their reporting website, OKhotline.org, or by calling the Abuse and Neglect hotline at 1-800-522-3511. After your report is made, the agency is required to investigate. If the investigation finds substantial evidence, Oklahoma Adult Protective Services will help the victim leave the situation and take action to ensure it doesn’t happen again. An Oklahoma Ombudsman Program also serves residents in Oklahoma’s long-term care facilities. The Ombudsman seeks to improve the quality of life and care available to long-term care facility residents. You can also report abuse via the Ombudsman. Find more information on the Oklahoma Long-Term Care Ombudsman website.
Document Evidence: Our team of Oklahoma attorneys recommends documenting all visible injuries and changes in your loved one’s condition. Take photographs and keep records of notable changes or incidents, including dates, times, and descriptions. These records will be invaluable if you do seek justice for nursing home neglect or abuse.
Seek Legal Help: The team of attorneys at Maples, Nix & Diesselhorst have the experience and knowledge to represent those seeking justice for nursing home neglect and abuse. Our team will stand with you and always seek to effect change that rids the Oklahoma nursing home industry of the “profit over people” attitude. Contact us for a free case evaluation.

Legal Recourse for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

When abuse or neglect is suspected in a nursing home, understanding your legal rights is essential. Residents have the right to a safe environment and appropriate care. Any deviation from these standards violates their rights and may be grounds for legal action.

If a loved one has experienced nursing home neglect or abuse, you should consult with an attorney experienced in nursing home abuse cases. A trustworthy and experienced Oklahoma nursing home lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of pursuing a legal claim. At Maples, Nix & Diesselhorst, we specialize in advocating for the rights of nursing home residents and their families. Our experienced team can provide guidance and support as you seek justice for your loved one.

Work with Oklahoma City’s Best Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys

Nursing home abuse is a serious issue that demands vigilance and proactive measures. Understanding the prevalence of abuse, recognizing the signs of bedsores, and knowing how to address these issues are essential for ensuring that residents receive the care and respect they deserve.

To learn more about the topic of nursing home neglect and abuse in Oklahoma, we encourage you to download the eBook “Restore the Dignity.” This book, written by Ray Maples, includes helpful information and his insights from years of nursing home neglect and abuse legal practice in Oklahoma.

If you suspect abuse or neglect, don’t hesitate to seek help and explore legal options to hold those responsible accountable. At Maples, Nix & Diesselhorst, we advocate for the rights of nursing home residents and their families.