Plans to Heal After Bedsores Are Recognized
I have met many families who are heartbroken and frustrated after discovering their loved ones have developed bedsores in a care facility. Also known as pressure sores, these types of skin injuries are preventable with proper care, yet they still happen far too often.
Once they’re recognized, the road to healing isn’t just about physical recovery, it’s about advocating for your loved one to ensure their health and dignity are restored. With years of experience as a New Orleans personal injury lawyer, I recommend you take a few key steps if you find yourself in this situation.
Pressure Sores and Steps to Promote Healing
Bedsores occur when there’s prolonged pressure on the skin, often in individuals who are bedridden, wheelchair-bound, or otherwise immobile. Common areas include the hips, tailbone, heels, and elbows. Left untreated, bedsores can lead to infections, deep tissue damage, and even sepsis.
When you recognize bedsores, it is often a sign that your loved one’s care needs aren’t being met. This could involve insufficient repositioning, poor hygiene practices, or a lack of proper nutrition. Once bedsores are identified, immediate intervention is crucial.
- Seek attention from a medical professional. Ensure your loved one is evaluated by a healthcare provider. Treatment may include cleaning and dressing the wounds, managing infections, and implementing specialized equipment like pressure-relieving mattresses.
- Be aware of the care plan. Speak with the facility’s management and medical staff to understand how they plan to address your loved one’s needs. Insist on seeing a detailed care plan that includes frequent repositioning, improved hygiene protocols, and regular wound monitoring.
- Document everything, every step of the way. Keep records of the bedsores, including photographs, medical reports, and communications with the facility. This documentation is invaluable if you need to take legal action later.
- Engage in frequent visits. Your presence matters. Regular visits can help you monitor your loved one’s condition and ensure the facility is following through on their care responsibilities.
Having a full comprehension of the responsibilities of facility staff will allow you to notice any gaps in care. Then, you can make sure that gap is filled.
Advocating for Better Care
Healing from bedsores isn’t just about treating the wounds, it’s also about preventing them from happening again. You should feel confident in coming forward with questions. Don’t hesitate to ask staff about their training, policies, and staffing levels. A short-staffed facility is more likely to neglect essential care. Then, if you see evidence that the facility isn’t providing adequate care or shows signs of systemic neglect, explore alternative care options.
Sometimes, no amount of advocacy will fix a situation where negligence has already caused harm. That’s where I come in. As your New Orleans personal injury lawyer, I can investigate what happened, gather evidence, and hold the facility accountable for failing to meet their duty of care.
Have you discovered your loved one is suffering from bedsores in a New Orleans, Metairie, or New Gretna care center? Let me help you advocate for your loved one and hold negligent parties accountable. Call Palazzo Law Firm at 504-433-1442 for a confidential consultation. I’m here to help you and your family move forward.
