Bed sores affect countless nursing home residents each year in the United States. This news often comes as a shock; friends and family typically don’t expect bed sores to develop on a patient in a medical facility like a nursing home. Unfortunately, many nursing home patients develop bed sores for a number of reasons, and some patients face a higher risk than others. Loved ones’ feelings about their relative’s bed sore will likely turn from shock to anger very quickly; if they pay for their elderly loved one’s treatment at the nursing home, how could such an injury develop?
When a nursing home patient sustains a bed sore, it is essential for attending staff to take corrective action and prevent the wound from progressing. Bed sore treatment is lengthy and complex; caregivers will need to reposition the patient in such a way that pressure does not cause the bed sore to worsen. However, they will also need to regularly reposition him or her to prevent the formation of bed sores on other parts of the body. Bed sore treatment is a difficult process, and the Bed Sore FAQ group on Facebook exists to provide support and educational materials to friends and family members of nursing home residents who suffer from bed sores.
As a general rule of thumb, sedentary patients face a higher risk of developing bed sores than active patients. Bed sores manifest when an elderly individual spends too much time in a wheelchair or bed without repositioning. Blood begins to pool in the lowest areas of the body. When lying in a bed, this means bed sores are likely develop on the patient’s underside, such as the backs of the legs and arms or along the spine. If a patient remains in a wheelchair for most of the average day, caregivers will need to lift him or her out of the chair at regular intervals to restore healthy blood circulation and prevent bed sores in the buttocks, legs, and feet.
Patients who qualify as malnourished on the Body-Mass Index (BMI) typically face a much higher risk of developing bed sores, especially around the areas of the body with bony protrusions like the joints, back, and hips. Patients should receive individualized nutritional support and dietary supplements as needed to prevent malnourishment and maintain healthy weights. As our bodies age and suffer medical complications it can become difficult for some individuals to eat some solid foods or absorb certain nutrients. Proper individualized treatment helps prevent these issues
Nursing home patients with disabilities will also face a higher risk of developing bed sores. Some of these patients may require wheelchairs or extended bed rest and attending staff may have more difficulty turning or repositioning them to prevent bed sore formation. However, these procedures are still crucial and necessary for bed sore prevention.
Bed Sore FAQ on Facebook exists as an information resource for the loved ones of elderly nursing home patients who sustain bed sores. These individuals likely have many questions concerning their loved ones’ conditions:
These are a just a few examples of common questions following a loved one’s diagnosis of bed sores. These medical issues are serious and require immediate corrective actions. The Bed Sore FAQ group on Facebook offers friends and family peace of mind; other members can offer valuable insights concerning a loved one’s condition based on past similar experiences. They can also share stories about the legal issues encountered concerning bed sores, effective treatments, and long-term bed sore prevention tips.
Social media offers you the chance to connect with people in similar situations from all over the world. When you are reeling from shock and anger at a loved one’s bed sore diagnosis, having the ability to connect with others who understand your frustration and your loved one’s pain is a tremendous help.
Show your support for those suffering from bed sores by joining the Bed Sore FAQ Facebook group today and start taking part in valuable discussions. This Facebook Group focuses on educating members about bed sores and providing a platform where they can share their advice and experiences with others. If your loved one developed bed sores in a nursing home, join the Bed Sore FAQ group on Facebook today to start learning more about how to help your loved one struggling with bed sores, what to expect from bed sore treatment, and advice concerning your legal options for recovery.
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