Pressure Sores: The Basics (Part 2)

Posted On March 12, 2016 Injuries

Signs of Pressure Sores

As discussed in Pressures Sores: The Basics (Part 1), bed sores are preventable and should be carefully avoided by elder care facilities. You can take steps to keep these ulcers from developing by understanding typical causes and symptoms. Common indicators of a pressure sore include:

Reddened Skin

Look for areas of redness or increased warmth. These will occur on areas of the body that remain in prolonged contact with a bed or chair. The only way to see the areas of redness is looking at the skin. A qualified person should consistently look at the skin to examine for the beginning stages of a pressure sore.

Complaining or Discomfort

Pay attention to complaints of pain. If the elderly person complains of pain on their bottom, heels, back of the head, or other bony prominences, someone must examine the skin.

Complete Immobility

An immobile person is at risk of pressure sores. This means someone who has had recent surgery or who is ill. These individuals must be consistently checked for new areas of redness.

Infection

Look for signs of infection like a fever or foul odors from a sore. This can be the sign of a beginning problem.

Ways to Prevent Pressure Sores

Shift Pressure Points

Consistent turning and repositioning is key. Keeping prolonged pressure off bony prominences will go a long way in preventing the wounds from developing. There are pressure relieving beds available in most facilities that constantly relieve pressure to a person’s body through a variety of high-tech methods.

Remove Moisture for Susceptible Areas

Keeping areas susceptible to pressure ulcers clean and dry is another strategy. It is important that the patient’s body be kept clean with consistent baths.

Pressure sores are a common problem for bed ridden and hospitalized patients. Taking proper precautions and knowing what the beginning stages look like can go a long way in preventing this health hazard.

Contact a Long Beach Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

If you believe that your loved one has not been given the proper attention to prevent pressure sores from developing, please contact our firm. We believe that it is important to hold negligent and abusive caregivers responsible for their actions (or lack of action). Our Long Beach elder abuse attorney has the knowledge and experience necessary to fight for the care and compensation of your loved one.