Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are one of the most telling signs of nursing home neglect. These painful wounds develop when residents are left in one position for too long without proper care. For families, discovering that a loved one has developed bedsores can be heartbreaking — and often, it is a clear indication that the facility has failed in its duty of care.

Michael Hill, a nationally recognized trial attorney dedicated to nursing home neglect cases, explains that “bedsores are not an unavoidable part of aging. They are preventable injuries that should never happen when proper care is given.”

Why Bedsores Happen

Bedsores develop when prolonged pressure cuts off circulation to the skin. In a nursing home, they are most often caused by staff failing to:

• Reposition residents: Immobile residents must be turned and repositioned every two hours to relieve pressure.
• Use proper equipment: Specialized mattresses, cushions, and bed pads help reduce risk.
• Monitor skin integrity: Staff should perform daily checks to catch early redness or irritation before it worsens.
• Maintain hygiene: Moisture from sweat, urine, or feces accelerates skin breakdown. Neglecting hygiene greatly increases the risk of sores.
• Provide adequate nutrition: Malnutrition and dehydration make the skin fragile and less able to heal.

Michael Hill’s investigations frequently reveal systemic problems such as understaffing, lack of training, or chronic neglect of care protocols.

The Stages of Bedsores

Bedsores are categorized into four stages, each progressively worse:

1. Stage 1: Red, irritated skin that does not blanch when pressed.
2. Stage 2: Shallow open wounds or blisters.
3. Stage 3: Deep wounds exposing fat tissue.
4. Stage 4: Severe wounds exposing muscle, bone, or tendons, often accompanied by infection.

Once bedsores reach stage 3 or 4, they are life-threatening. Infections can spread rapidly, leading to sepsis, amputations, or death.

The Human Impact

For residents, bedsores are more than just a physical wound — they cause severe pain, limited mobility, and emotional suffering. Many residents lose their independence entirely. Families often feel guilt and outrage, believing they entrusted their loved one to a facility that failed to provide basic care.

Michael Hill has represented families in cases where untreated bedsores directly caused a resident’s death. He emphasizes that “these injuries do not just happen. They are the result of choices — a choice not to reposition, not to check, not to care.”

The Legal Responsibility of Nursing Homes

Federal and state regulations require nursing homes to prevent pressure ulcers unless they are medically unavoidable. That means facilities must:

• Conduct a skin assessment upon admission and update it regularly.
• Create a care plan specifically addressing residents’ risk of pressure ulcers.
• Provide all necessary interventions, such as repositioning schedules, nutrition monitoring, and wound care.

When facilities fail to meet these obligations, they are legally responsible for the harm that results.

Warning Signs Families Should Watch For

Families visiting loved ones can help detect early issues by watching for:

• Red patches on the skin that don’t fade when touched.
• Unexplained bandages or wound dressings.
• Complaints of pain when lying down or sitting.
• Strong odors, which may indicate infection.
• Staff appearing evasive or defensive about skin care.

If you see these signs, demand a clear explanation and insist on immediate medical evaluation.

What Families Should Do if Bedsores Occur

If your loved one develops bedsores in a nursing home, you should:

1. Seek medical care immediately — ensure wounds are documented and treated.
2. Request records — obtain wound care notes, repositioning logs, and medical charts.
3. Take photographs — visual evidence is powerful in proving neglect.
4. File a complaint — report the issue to the state’s long-term care ombudsman or health department.
5. Consult an attorney — an experienced lawyer can determine whether negligence caused the injuries.

How Michael Hill Helps Families

Michael Hill investigates whether staff failed to follow turning schedules, falsified care logs, or ignored signs of infection. He works with wound care specialists and medical experts to connect the sores directly to neglect.

For families, pursuing legal action not only secures compensation for medical costs and suffering, but also holds facilities accountable. “Every case we bring sends a message that neglect is not acceptable,” Hill explains.

Preventing Future Bedsores

While legal accountability addresses past harm, prevention is essential. Families can help by:

• Attending care plan meetings and asking about pressure ulcer prevention.
• Checking skin themselves during visits.
• Asking staff how often repositioning is performed.
• Ensuring loved ones receive proper nutrition and hydration.

Michael Hill stresses that active family involvement is one of the strongest safeguards against neglect.

Conclusion

Bedsores are not just medical conditions — they are a red flag for neglect. No resident should suffer from wounds that are entirely preventable with proper care.

Families who discover bedsores on a loved one deserve answers. With Michael Hill’s guidance, they can uncover the truth, hold nursing homes accountable, and fight for safer care standards.

Through vigilance, legal action, and advocacy, families can protect their loved ones and ensure that no resident endures the pain of preventable pressure ulcers.