The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

If you have a relative or other loved one in a nursing home, you want to make sure they are receiving the care they deserve. There are many potential indicators that can help you determine the level of care your loved one is receiving, but one to look for is the existence of pressure sores. Pressure sores, also known as decubitus ulcers, are caused by the repetitive pressure of the bone on soft tissue. Nursing home residents with limited or no self-mobility need help to avoid developing this type of sore. The amount of aid necessary depends on your loved one, but may range from simple encouragement to physical help getting out of bed to regular turning to avoid sores. Unfortunately, when for-profit nursing homes begin cutting staff, this type of help may suffer, and your loved one may develop pressure sores that can worsen and develop into serious injuries or become the source of infections. To check your loved one for pressure sores, look for red skin that gets worse and forms a blister on the:

• Back of the head
• Shoulders
• Back
• Elbow
• Hips
• Ankles
• Heels

If you notice sores developing, talk to your loved one about their care and bring it up with the staff. If you notice severe sores, it may be time to file a complaint against the nursing home or consider a nursing home negligence lawsuit. At The Cochran Firm, we help victims of nursing home negligence to get compensation for their injuries. To learn if we can help you, please contact The Cochran Firm today for a free case evaluation.