Bedsores and Nursing Home Abuse

While no one likes to think that their loved one could be a victim, nursing home abuse occurs more often than most people realize. Though nursing home abuse can occur in several different ways, all of these have the potential to lead to bedsores and other dangerous complications that can have a serious impact on your loved one’s health and well-being. If you suspect that your loved one may be a victim of abuse, you should file a report as soon as possible – don’t wait for the situation to improve, as it may only get worse with time.

Physical abuse can directly contribute to the development of bedsores due to the fact that any physical injury will result in the breakdown of tissue, especially in the case of bruising, cuts or burns. These affected areas then become more vulnerable to the potential damage that can be caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. Severe injuries can further complicate the situation, especially if bed rest is necessary for the injury to heal because many bedsores develop as a result of immobility in such circumstances.

In some instances, financial abuse can also be to blame for the occurrence of bedsores. When funds are diverted, rather than used for their intended purpose (such as for proper mattress pads, bedding, and other materials) your loved one may develop a bedsore as a result. If procedures are not performed as indicated, but charges are still being added to your loved one’s account, he or she may be a victim of financial abuse.

Emotional abuse can lead to depression among nursing home abuse residents, causing them to remain secluded for prolonged periods of time. Additionally, giving unequal treatment to certain residents in order to ‘punish’ them can lead to a situation where your loved one’s care plan is not being consistently followed, thus exposing your loved one to an increased risk of developing bedsores while in the nursing home facility.

Nursing home abuse is a serious problem, no matter how it occurs, and no matter if your loved one develops a bedsore as a result or not. It is important to remain vigilant in these circumstances to the potential signs of abuse and get your loved one immediate help if there is any suspicion that abuse may have occurred or is ongoing.