When families entrust loved ones to nursing homes, they expect attentive and compassionate care. Unfortunately, nursing home neglect happens far too often, and improper wound care can be a clear warning sign. Resident wounds require meticulous attention and treatment.
However, if these wounds worsen or appear frequently, it may indicate a troubling pattern of neglect. If you suspect that your loved one is being neglected in a Chicago nursing home, it’s important to be aware of the signs and understand how to hold negligent facilities accountable.
What is the importance of proper wound care?
Elderly residents often face healing challenges due to age-related factors such as reduced mobility, thin skin, and chronic health conditions. Every wound requires swift treatment, regular cleaning, and ongoing evaluation. Proper wound care prevents infections, sepsis, severe pain, and other serious complications. Neglected wounds can lead to prolonged suffering, hospitalizations, or even life-threatening conditions.
Common wounds in nursing homes include:
- Bedsores (pressure ulcers): These wounds form when residents stay in one position for extended periods without being moved or repositioned. This results in prolonged pressure on the skin that cuts off blood flow, particularly to bony parts of the body. If left untreated, bedsores can cause deep infections and significant pain.
- Diabetic ulcers: Poor circulation and high blood sugar levels make these wounds particularly dangerous. These ulcers often appear on the feet or lower legs and can quickly become infected without proper treatment. In some cases, severe infections from diabetic ulcers lead to amputations.
- Surgical wounds: Post-surgery care demands constant monitoring to ensure healing. A lack of proper attention to surgical wounds can result in delayed healing, severe infections, or even sepsis.
What are the signs of unhealthy wound healing?
If your loved one’s wounds look worse or their health declines without explanation, neglect might be the root cause. The warning signs to watch for include:
- Worsening wounds: If a wound doesn’t heal or continues to deteriorate, it signals inadequate care.
- Infections: Infection symptoms include redness, swelling, pus, foul odors, or a fever.
- Frequent or recurring wounds: New wounds in the same areas suggest residents may not be repositioned or cared for properly.
- Inconsistent records: Missing or incomplete documentation of wound care raises serious concerns about accountability and professionalism.
How does improper wound care reflect neglect?
Neglect in nursing homes often stems from systemic problems such as understaffing, inadequate training, or poor management. When staff lack the time or skills to provide proper care, residents suffer. Improper wound care occurs when nursing home staff fail to monitor patients, treat wounds, and follow care plans.
Neglect doesn’t always look intentional. Sometimes, it’s a matter of oversight or exhaustion from overburdened staff. However, the results remain the same; residents endure preventable pain and suffering.
What to do if you suspect nursing home neglect
Taking swift and decisive action protects your loved one and holds the nursing home accountable. Here’s what you can do:
- Document everything: Take photos of wounds, keep records of conversations with staff, and track your loved one’s health changes.
- Ask questions: Speak with staff and administrators about the care being provided and request to see wound care plans and treatment records.
- Seek medical advice: A second opinion from a doctor can confirm whether a wound has been neglected.
- Report concerns: File a complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health or Regional Ombudsman, who both investigate nursing home neglect cases.
How do you hold a nursing home accountable?
When nursing home neglect causes harm, you have the right to pursue legal action to seek justice and compensation. Filing a claim can provide financial relief for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. It also sends a message that neglect won’t be tolerated. However, it’s not an easy process.
Nursing homes often deny wrongdoing and may try to cover their tracks. That’s where the Chicago nursing home neglect lawyers at Ferrell Young, LLC come in. We can fight tirelessly to protect your loved one’s rights and pursue the compensation your family deserves.
Our experienced and compassionate Chicago-based attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only receive payment if we win your case. We also offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options.
Don’t wait to take action. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Chicago nursing home neglect attorney. Your family’s well-being is our top priority.