Under-staffing At Nursing Home Blamed For Pressure Ulcer, Infection & Subsequent Death
The son of a deceased nursing home patient blames 'under-staffing' as the primary reason why his mother fell and subsequently developed pressure ulcers. Gary Brown filed a lawsuit against a county operated nursing home in Nebraska on behalf of his deceased mother's estate.
In addition to under-staffing, the lawsuit alleges the facility allowed his mother to develop pressure ulcers (also referred to as pressure sores, decubitus ulcers or bed sores) during her recovery from a fall at the facility. Despite the fact that the pressure ulcers progressed and became infected, the facility also allegedly failed to notify the woman's personal physician. Lastly, it is claimed that the pressure sores contributed to the patient's death.
Read more about this lawsuit due to development of pressure ulcers here.
Nursing Homes Obligation To Prevent Pressure Ulcers
Nursing homes must develop a customized program to prevent and monitor each resident's risk for developing pressure ulcers. Unfortunately, at facilities that are inadequately staffed, many of the preventative measures set forth in a care plan are not complied with.
Pressure ulcers may develop when a patient is left in one position for a long period of time. Consequently, many nursing home patients need to be 'turned' on a regular basis. Many facilities have charts to help staff keep track of the re-positioning schedule for each resident.
To minimize development of pressure ulcers, nursing home residents should be:
- Cleaned regularly with mild soap and lukewarm water
- Moisturized daily
- Kept dry and clean-- especially kept free from urine and feces
- Rotated on schedule to prevent the build up of pressure from one area of the body
- Encouraged to get proper nutrition and hydration
- Kept the bed elevation as low as possible- this reduces pressure on the sacrum and buttocks
Related Nursing Homes Abuse Blog Entries
Nursing Home Visits. An Opportunity To Conduct Your Own Inspection.
Comments (2)
Read through and enter the discussion by using the form at the endBrad Stott - February 1, 2010 10:40 AM
Dear Mr. Rosenfeld,
Unfortunately, most nursing homes will only seek the cheapest bed sore solution which will not address most elderly residents. Many solutions have been available for a long time and are somewhat effective. The only technology which I have discovered will provide a proper solution is a programmable automatic mechanical repositioning bed from a company called ProBed. Their bed also addresses many other health issues like pneumonia found in nursing homes. A complete package in one. It is well worth a look.
Regards,
Brad Stott
Nancy Brown - February 20, 2011 11:32 PM
Elder abuse is occuring in Nursing Homes all across Australia due to a lack of staff, under staff, under pay and under staffed.
The system is letting down our aged care people. Bed sores are a daily issue within nursings homes, and are often over looked because their are never enough hours in one shift to assist with each residents needs. If you were aware of what is expected from an aged care nurse then you would be amazed on how little time we have for each person needs. There are so many residents and so little staff to assist - and it happens with every shift. There needs to be a good look at the system and a different way to run a nursing home.
So sorry that this person has passed away due to lack of care.