Tampa is a lively metropolitan city in west-central Florida. In fact, it is one of the largest cities in the Tampa Bay area, and more than three million people call it home.
It is the economic center of west central Florida since the economy is growing, with industries such as education, aerospace, healthcare, etc. playing a vital role.
The most common cause of bedsores is negligent hospital staff. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, around 2.5 million people develop bedsores in nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
There are 68 nursing homes here; however, only ten have a five-star rating, and 30 have four stars. This raises concerns about other nursing homes and about getting proper care.
It can take months to recover from severe bedsores, and one might even require surgery.
This will all add to the financial burden. Remember that you can seek compensation and file a personal injury claim.
Suppose you or your loved ones have suffered from bedsores due to the negligence of healthcare facilities.
In that case, Tampa bedsore attorneys will help you get compensation for the increased medical expenses and hold the negligent party responsible.
What Are Bedsores?
Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are injuries to the skin and the underlying tissue due to the continued pressure on your skin.
Bedsores happen to individuals who are bedridden, immobile, unable to sense pain, or unconscious. It can turn into a serious problem, and most of the time, the occurrence is related to the quality of the care that the patient receives.
If the bedridden patient is not properly positioned, turned, and given good skin care, they can develop bedsores.
These bedsores mostly develop on areas of the skin that are bony, such as the ankles, hips, tailbone, and heels.
But what are the causes? Symptoms? Let’s find out.
Common Causes of Bedsores
You know these pressure sores develop when you cannot move around and are in one position for a long time.
When one sleeps, they generally move, so it does not exert much pressure and stops the sores from developing. But if you are bedridden or immobile, then several causes increase the chances of bedsores:
- Unable to move due to illness or old age
- Weight loss, as it can lead to less padding over bony areas
- Poor diet
- Dehydration
- Sliding down in a chair or bed. The pressure on the skin can cut off the blood supply as the skin gets pulled in different directions
- Rubbing of the skin or friction, such as against the sheets
- Moist skin can be due to urinary incontinence or sweating
- Diabetes
- Having a prior pressure ulcer
What Are the Symptoms?
Some of the signs of bedsores are:
- Unusual changes in skin texture or color
- A skin area can feel warmer or cooler to touch as compared to other areas
- Pus-like draining
- Swelling
- Tender areas
How to Prevent Bedsores?
Prevention is always better than cure. However, when you depend on others to take care of you, it becomes their responsibility.
It is recommended that your healthcare provider assess your risk of developing bedsores and create a plan accordingly.
Some of the prevention tips are:
- Keep moving and repositioning regularly, as much as possible
- Standing up to relieve pressure if it is possible
- Use special pressure-relieving cushions and mattresses
- Keep the skin dry and clean
Conclusion
Choosing a nursing home for your loved one can be a daunting task.
Discovering that your loved one has developed bedsores because of hospital staff negligence can be both emotionally and financially distressing.
Patients with bedsores have more expensive hospital bills, or even double them, compared to $17,200.
Tampa bedsore lawyers understand the impact bedsores can have on patients and the financial toll they take.