Development of a pressure ulcer or bedsore by a nursing home patient can be a serious danger for the patient’s well-being and quality of life. Most pressure ulcers or bedsores are preventable if the nursing home nurses and nurse assistants have proper 
training and supervision. Failure on the part of the nursing home to prevent injury to nursing home residents or patients is neglect or abuse.
Several preventative measures are particularly important in preventing the development of pressure ulcers or bedsores.
First, the certified nursing assistants and nurses must consistently inspect and monitor the resident’s skin daily. The staff must record skin moisture or dryness as well as skin lubrication in the patient’s chart.
Second, the nursing home must use pressure relieving and supporting surfaces for the beds or chairs used by the nursing home patients.
Third, heel protection is important in reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers or bedsores. This can be accomplished with pillows or heel elevators.
Fourth, a facility should provide pressure relieving interventions to all residents, not just those at highest risk for the development of skin breakdown. By providing assistance to all nursing home residents, the nursing home can improve training and implementation of pressure-relieving methods easier as well as increasing the consistency of the staff in providing such pressure relief.
By consistently providing pressure-relieving interventions to all nursing home residents, a nursing home can prevent the devolvement of pressure ulcers or bedsores. The failure to put in place pressure relieving methods for nursing home residents and by failing to follow-through consistently most likely indicates neglect or abuse of a nursing home resident by a nursing home.
If you have questions regarding nursing home related injuries or neglect, call my office in Greenville at 864-232-4273