Nursing Homes and Bed Sores: What You Need to Know

When you place a loved one in a nursing home, you expect them to receive proper care, attention, and respect. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. One of the most common—and alarming—signs of nursing home neglect is the presence of bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers. These injuries are largely preventable, and when they do occur, they often signal that something is seriously wrong with the level of care being provided.

At Taylor Anderson Law Firm in Charleston, SC, we advocate for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect across South Carolina. If your loved one has developed bed sores in a care facility, it may be time to speak with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer.

What Are Bed Sores?

Bed sores are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue that occur due to prolonged pressure on the skin. They often develop on bony areas of the body, such as the heels, hips, elbows, and tailbone. These injuries occur when a person is immobile for too long, especially when lying in bed or sitting in a wheelchair without being repositioned regularly.

There are four stages of bed sores, ranging from mild redness and irritation to deep wounds that expose muscle or bone. Advanced bed sores can become infected and lead to serious complications, including sepsis or death.

Bed Sores Are Preventable

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 11% of nursing home residents suffer from pressure ulcers, despite the fact that routine care and attention can largely prevent them. Bed sores develop when staff fail to:

• Reposition residents regularly
• Maintain good hygiene
• Provide proper nutrition and hydration
• Use pressure-relieving mattresses or cushions
• Monitor and treat early signs of skin breakdown

Neglecting any of these duties may be grounds for legal action, especially if the nursing home has a history of violations or understaffing.

Bed Sores Can Indicate Neglect or Abuse

While not every instance of a bed sore is a clear sign of abuse, multiple or untreated pressure ulcers, particularly in advanced stages, can signal systemic neglect. This may include:

• Failure to notice or treat wounds
• Deliberate understaffing
• Ignoring care plans or medical needs
• Lack of proper supervision

If your loved one has suffered from untreated or recurring bed sores, you may have a case for nursing home negligence or abuse.

When to Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

If you suspect neglect, don’t wait. Time is critical in documenting injuries, gathering evidence, and protecting your loved one from further harm. At Taylor Anderson Law Firm, we can help you:

• Investigate the nursing home’s care practices
• Review medical records and care plans
• Determine liability for negligence
• Pursue financial compensation for medical costs, pain, and suffering
• Relocate your loved one to a safer environment

We understand how emotionally painful and legally complex these cases can be. That’s why we offer compassionate, aggressive representation designed to protect your family’s rights and hold negligent facilities accountable.

Serving Families Throughout Charleston and Beyond

Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Taylor Anderson Law Firm represents clients throughout the state who are facing the heartbreak of nursing home abuse. We believe every resident deserves dignity, safety, and quality care—and we’re here to make sure that happens.

If your loved one has developed bed sores in a nursing home, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you seek justice and restore peace of mind.

Posted on behalf of Taylor Anderson Law Firm