You visit your father in the nursing home. While helping him change, you notice a red, angry patch of skin on his lower back or heels.
The nurse tells you: "Oh, that happens because his skin is old and thin."
Do not believe them.
That red spot is likely a Pressure Ulcer (commonly called a Bedsore).
And in most cases, bedsores are NOT a natural part of aging. They are a sign that the facility is understaffed and failing to turn your father every 2 hours.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information, not legal advice. If you suspect abuse, contact a local elder law attorney or Ombudsman immediately.
Found a 'Red Spot' on Mom's Back?
1. What Are Bedsores? (The "Pressure" Trap)
Bedsores happen when a person lies in the same position for too long. The weight of the body cuts off blood flow to the skin, causing the tissue to die.
Common danger zones:
- Tailbone (Sacrum)
- Heels and Ankles
- Hips
- Elbows
The Golden Rule: Standard medical protocol requires immobilized patients to be repositioned every 2 hours. If a sore develops, it often means this rule was broken.
2. The 4 Stages of Horror
Bedsores progress quickly. A small red spot can turn into a life-threatening infection within days.
⚠️ Know the Stages
- Stage 1: Skin is red and feels warm. It does not turn white when pressed. (Reversible).
- Stage 2: Skin breaks open like a blister or abrasion. Painful.
- Stage 3: The sore gets deep, reaching the fat layer. Looks like a crater.
- Stage 4: Medical Emergency. The sore exposes muscle or bone. High risk of Sepsis (blood infection) and death.
3. Is It "Neglect"?
Federal regulations state that a nursing home must ensure a resident does not develop bedsores unless their clinical condition makes them "unavoidable."
It is likely Neglect if:
- Staff is not turning the patient regularly.
- The patient is left sitting in wet diapers (moisture accelerates skin breakdown).
- The patient is malnourished/dehydrated (skin needs protein to heal).
- They failed to use a specialized "air mattress" for high-risk patients.
4. Action Plan: Document Everything
If you see a Stage 1 or Stage 2 sore, act FAST before it becomes Stage 4.
- Take Photos: Photograph the wound immediately. Use a coin next to it for size reference. Date the photos.
- Demand a Care Plan Meeting: Ask the Director of Nursing: "What is the turning schedule? Where is the air mattress?"
- Report It: Call your state's Long-Term Care Ombudsman. They are government officials who investigate nursing home complaints for free.
5. Can You Sue? (The Financial Reality)
Yes. Bedsores are one of the most common reasons for Nursing Home Neglect Lawsuits.
- Why Sue? Medical bills for treating a Stage 4 sore can cost $50,000+. A lawsuit recovers these costs and compensates for pain and suffering.
- Settlements: While every case is different, settlements for severe bedsores often reach six figures ($100,000+) because the negligence is easy to prove with medical records.
Be Their Voice
Your parent cannot move. They cannot reach the call button. They rely on you to inspect their body and fight for them.
Don't let the facility gaslight you into thinking skin rot is "normal." It is not. It is a failure of care.
Action Plan:
- Check your parent's heels and tailbone today.
- If you see redness, notify the staff in writing (email) immediately.
- Google "Elder Law Attorney near me" if the sore has progressed to Stage 3 or 4.
Helpful Resources:
National Consumer Voice: Find an Ombudsman
Medicare.gov: Check Nursing Home Violations
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