How do Medical Facilities Assess Healing Bed Sores?

By Nursing Home Law Center

Tape Measure

In order to maximize the effectiveness of bed sore treatment, medical facilities need to monitor bed sores as they heal. Most medical facilities assess how well a bed sore (also called: decubitus ulcer, pressure ulcer or pressure sore) is healing based on the size of the wound and the physical characteristics. The size of the bed sore can be measured with a disposable ruler or with tracing paper. Increasingly, medical facilities are using technology such as ultrasound and computer guided imagery to assist in assessing bed sores during the healing process.

A physician generally determines how frequently a bed sore should be measured and re-assesed on a formal basis. Nonetheless, staff should note any rapid deterioration or unusual changes and bring the changes to the attention of a treating physician if warranted.

The healing time for a bed sore depends on the size and severity of the wound(s). For example, a stage 1 bed sore may heal within a few days while a stage 4 bed sore may take several months or more. Patients suffering from severe bed sores may require years of medical treatment. Unfortunately, some bed sores may never heal– especially when the person has other illnesses or is elderly. There are no specific guidelines that can be used to predict whether an ulcer will be “non-healing.”

Related Information

Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Resources

Client Reviews

★★★★★
Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial. Lisa
★★★★★
After I read Jonathan’s Nursing Home Blog, I decided to hire him to look into my wife’s treatment at a local nursing home. Jonathan did a great job explaining the process and the laws that apply to nursing homes. I immediately felt at ease and was glad to have him on my side. Though the lawsuit process was at times frustrating, Jonathan reassured me, particularly at my deposition. I really felt like Jonathan cared about my wife’s best interests, and I think that came across to the lawyers for the nursing home. Eric