Nursing home abuse and neglect does not always manifest in obvious ways. However, some physical signs might stand out.
This is potentially the case for pressure ulcers, also called bedsores. While there may be reasonable explanations for these injuries, they may also be red flags.
How pressure ulcers are prevented
Mayo Clinic discusses pressure ulcers, a somewhat common sight in nursing homes and hospitals. Pressure ulcers form as a result of extended pressure to the same area of the body. They happen if a victim spends too much time in bed or in a seated position without moving, which can happen if they cannot move easily by themselves.
To combat pressure ulcer formation, staff of a nursing home is supposed to check in on patients with low mobility levels and move them in bed every couple of hours.
In some cases, even with the proper care and attention, a victim can still form pressure ulcers simply due to their anatomy, blood flow, overall health and other conditions.
Indications of abuse or neglect
However, pressure ulcers can also indicate abuse or neglect. After all, they can form if nursing staff is not properly attending to patients and ensuring that they move every couple of hours.
This may be intentional as is the case in abuse, or it could be accidental. This often happens in nursing homes where there is not enough staff to ensure all patients get the care they need. However, this is still considered neglect even if it is accidental. Families of sufferers could pursue damages if neglect or abuse is proven.