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How did your loved one develop bedsores?

On Behalf of | Apr 19, 2022 | Elder Law | 0 comments

Leaving your senior loved one in the hands of caregivers, nurses or a care facility can turn stressful if you fear the caregivers neglected or abused your loved one. One sign of neglect includes bedsores.

According to Mayo Clinic, bedsores are pressure ulcers that occur after prolonged pressure.

What are the symptoms of bedsores?

Pressure ulcers have varying stages. Doctors base the stages on the severity and depth of bedsores. For example, red skin could indicate mild bedsores, whereas severe bedsores may affect the muscle down to the bone.

You often find bedsores for wheelchair patients on the shoulder blades, spine, tailbone or backs of arms and legs. The sores may appear on the shoulder blades, heels, ankles, back or sides of the head and hip or lower tailbone for bedridden patients.

Common symptoms include swelling, changes to the skin color, draining pus, tender areas of skin and areas that may feel colder or warmer than the rest of the patient’s skin.

What causes bedsores?

The most significant contributor to pressure ulcers is the pressure placed on the body. When laying down, you restrict blood flow to the tissue. When the skin does not receive nutrients, it may become damaged or die.

Patients often develop bedsores if no one helps them reposition or do not have special cushions or mattresses to relieve pressure. Caregivers must keep the patient’s skin clean, dry and protected against pressure ulcers.

If your loved one has bedsores, it may indicate that the caregivers neglected his or her basic needs for repositioning, hydration, nutrients and hygiene.

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