A woman has filed a lawsuit against a nursing home and several healthcare providers, alleging that they failed in pressure ulcer prevention.

Plaintiff Gina R. recently filed a lawsuit against Norridge Gardens LLC, ManorCare of Elk Grove Village, and other health care providers, alleging negligence and failed pressure ulcer prevention. Gina claims that poor care caused her to develop multiple pressure ulcers, allegedly causing her physical and mental health to deteriorate. Gina seeks damages, court costs, and attorneys’ fees.

The Dangers of Pressure Sores

Pressure ulcers are painful sores that occur when bony areas of the body are compressed for too long. Bony areas of the body prone to pressure ulcers include the buttocks, heels, and ankles. These sores often happen if elderly patients, who are unable to adjust and move by themselves, stay in the place for a long period of time.

Stage one and two pressure ulcers are the least threatening and are easy to treat. However, even when caught in the early stages, pressure sores can take weeks or even months to heal. These pressure ulcers must undergo debridement (removal of dead skin) and regular cleaning. Additionally, further situations which might aggravate the pressure sores must be avoided. This can be accomplished with pressure ulcer prevention techniques and products such as specialized pillow and mattresses.

Stage three and four pressure ulcers are far more serious and can be life threatening. These sores become deep wounds potentially exposing muscles and bones. These deep wounds increase the chance of life threatening infection. Patients with advanced pressure ulcers need immediate medical treatment and should be taken to a hospital.

Pressure Ulcer Prevention

Although pressure sores can develop easily, they are also easily prevented when caretakers practice pressure ulcer prevention. The most common pressure ulcer prevention technique is changing position every 15 minutes. For patients who cannot move themselves, a nurse or staff member should move them every two hours. The change in position will relieve any long-term pressure that could cause damage and pressure ulcers.

Nursing homes have a responsibility to their residents to provide basic pressure ulcer prevention, and pressure ulcers are often a sign of neglect. Nursing home neglect is a serious problem in the United States and effects an estimated 5 million Americans over the age of 60. Despite the prevalence and severity of the abuse, around 84% of cases are not reported to authorities.

Pressure ulcers are one of many potential signs of nursing home neglect. Other signs of nursing home neglect include malnutrition, dehydration, chronic infections, bruises around the breasts or genital area, falls, fractures, weight loss, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and frequent arguments with caretakers.

If any of these signs are noticed in an elderly resident or vulnerable adult, the authorities should be contacted immediately. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or the local police for help. Other resources include a nursing home neglect hotline or an elder law attorney.

If you were the victim of nursing home neglect at the hands of a caretaker, you may qualify for legal action. Compensation from a nursing home neglect legal claim could cover medical costs, pain and suffering, wrongful death, and more.

The Nursing Home Neglect Lawsuit is Case No. 18-L-4571 in the Cook County Circuit Court.