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Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores or Decubitus Ulcers)

Bedsores are dangerous, painful and very preventable. Nursing home patients are at risk of developing bed sores (pressure sores) if they do not receive proper treatment from nursing home staff. Since bedsores can develop rapidly and quickly become infected it is important that both nursing home residents and their families understand what bedsores are, why they are dangerous and how they can be prevented. Bedsores can be prevented by regular care, such as by changing a person's position regularly and by insuring nursing home residents have adequate nutrition.

A pressure ulcer is a “localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure or pressure in combination with shear” (NPUAP).

• People with spinal cord injuries and the elderly are most susceptible to pressure ulcers.
• 70% of all pressure ulcers occur in people over the age of 70
• 95% of pressure ulcers occur in the lower part of the body.
• Federal regulations that apply to pressure ulcers:

- A resident who enters the facility without pressure sores doesn’t develop them unless the individual’s clinical condition exhibits that they were unavoidable.

- A resident having pressure sores receives necessary treatment and services to promote healing, prevent infection, and prevent new sores from developing.

Remember the most significant task with regard to preventing pressure ulcers is turning and repositioning.

To decide if a resident entered the facility with pressure ulcers you must first look at the admissions records, which describes their physical condition as well as what they are at risk for. These records provide a snapshot of the resident when he or she was admitted into the nursing home or assisted living facility. After admission, these assessments should be completed at least every quarter. Reviewing other documents such as medical administration records (MAR), treatment administration records (TAR), minimum data set (MDS), and activities of daily living (ADL) flow sheet can help determine whether the treatment and precautions stated in the care plan have been employed. 

Trial Magazine

“Nursing Home Litigation”

If you want to determine if you or a loved one has a potential nursing home abuse case, Make A Call For Justice and contact attorney Michael Brevda for a free consultation at 561-630-5363 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.