When it comes to medical complications that realistically pose a serious threat of disabling— or even killing– patients in nursing homes and hospitals across the country, few conditions can compare to pressure sores. As innocent as the term may sound, when “pressure sores” progress, they should perhaps be more accurately…
For many elderly people, a short trip to the hospital can bring about justifiably intense fears. A recent study in the medical journal Neurology found that more than half of elderly patients experience dramatic cognitive decline after short hospital stays. The study took a look at 1,870 people up to…
The origins of pressure sores have been well documented for centuries— the combination of unrelieved pressure and force put upon the body. However, from a technological perspective, relatively little progress has been made towards reducing the rates pressure sores in patients with heightened risk factors. From a preventative standpoint, the…
Recognizing that the development of a bed sore during an admission to a hospital as something that simply should not occur, many facilities have begun to categorize their development for what they truly are— a serious medical error. Bed sores now join a list of dreadful occurrences such as: operations…
Even though I may be occasionally deluged with photos of bed sores on patients in nursing homes and hospitals— I never forget that the horrific wounds are indeed on a real person. Sadly, by the time that the wound has progressed and opened– and even with the best wound care–…
The family of a deceased woman has filed a lawsuit against a large health care company that was responsible for maintaining her health. The lawsuit names Addus Healthcare as a defendant in two count complaint alleging that the companies negligence during a short-term stay, resulted in numerous medical complications that…
Upon entering a nursing home, staff must conduct an assessment of various aspects of patient needs in order to assure the best possible care. Federal law requires that part of the assessment incorporate both a skin assessment to determine if the patient has any existing pressure sores and to…
When it comes to the prevention of decubitus uclers, it very much is a collective responsibility of all parties involved. As opposed to other medical complications that can be traced to the poor care or decision making of one person, situations where a person has developed decubitus ulcers during…
Have you seen a bed sore? If you haven’t, advanced bed sores are truly horrific conditions that are perhaps the most gruesome example of institutional neglect. However, particularly when there are photographs of a gaping wound on a patient’s buttocks or heels, many of these cases seem to miraculously get…
An important court decision Tennessee Supreme Court decision helps clarify what is necessary for injured parties to prove their care in a nursing home negligence lawsuit. The case stems from the lawsuit initiated by Kimberly S. French, the daughter of Martha S. French. Ms. French brought a wrongful death case against…