Bedsores (or pressure ulcers) are among the most common - and preventable - injuries occurring in nursing homes today, say Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers. While you should always keep a close watch on the health and well-being of a loved one in long-term care, there are some factors which may indicate a high risk for bedsores, and thus warn you to be extra vigilant.

According to Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys who regularly represent victims of Illinois nursing home neglect, the following risk factors make nursing home resident more prone to bedsores:

• Age 60 or older
• Spinal cord paralysis
• Previous stroke
• Nervous system disease
• Poor circulation
• Diabetes
• Confinement to bed
• Altered level of consciousness (drug- or health-related)
• Confusion
• Bladder incontinence
• Bowel incontinence
• Diarrhea
• Anemia
• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Obesity
• Emaciation
• Reduced mobility (traction or body cast)

Clearly, some of these symptoms or conditions may indicate a further level of abuse or neglect, in addition to adding a risk factor for bed sores and pressure ulcers.

Upon intake, nursing staff should assign a value of 1 to each risk factor and add up those that exist. The totals then translate to one of the three levels of risk as follows: 0 to 6 indicates low risk, 7 to 13 indicates moderate risk, 14 to 18 indicates high risk.  Illinois nursing home negligence attorneys say you should be familiar with your loved one’s level of risk.

The parts of the body that are susceptible to pressure ulcers include the heels, ankles, knees, buttocks, tailbone, lower spine, shoulder blades, ears, and back of the head.

If your loved one is showing signs of Illinois nursing home neglect or abuse, you should contact a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney immediately.

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