Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), also known as nursing homes, are entrusted with the care of vulnerable individuals who require daily medical assistance and long-term care. For many residents, these facilities provide a much-needed environment where they can receive attention from healthcare professionals, ensure their basic needs are met, and enjoy a level of comfort in their later years or during rehabilitation. However, when a skilled nursing facility fails to uphold the standards of care, the consequences can be devastating.
Among the most common and serious complications resulting from inadequate care are pressure injuries—also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers—which occur when a person is subjected to prolonged pressure on a specific area of the body, leading to tissue damage. These injuries can cause severe physical pain, infections, and, in the worst cases, even death. Additionally, SNF residents are vulnerable to a range of other complications, including falls, malnutrition, dehydration, and medication errors, all of which can result from substandard care.
As an attorney dedicated to advocating for those harmed by medical negligence and nursing home abuse, I have seen firsthand how pressure injuries and other complications can dramatically affect the lives of nursing home residents. This article explores pressure-related injuries and other complications that may arise from residency in skilled nursing facilities, discusses the legal implications, and explains how we at Wyche work to hold nursing homes accountable for failing to provide the quality care residents deserve.
What Are Pressure Injuries and How Do They Develop?
Pressure injuries occur when sustained pressure on a body part reduces blood flow to the tissues, causing the skin and underlying tissues to break down. These injuries often develop in areas where bone is close to the skin surface, such as:
- Heels
- Hips
- Tailbone
- Elbows
- Shoulders
In nursing home residents, immobility is a primary risk factor for developing pressure injuries. Residents who are confined to a bed or wheelchair are particularly vulnerable, especially if they are not regularly repositioned or provided with the appropriate level of care. Common risk factors for pressure injuries include:
- Immobility: Residents who are unable to move on their own are at higher risk, particularly if they are not regularly repositioned.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Poor nutrition can impair the skin’s ability to repair itself, making residents more susceptible to skin breakdown.
- Moisture: Prolonged exposure to urine or sweat can damage the skin and increase the risk of pressure injuries.
- Age and underlying health conditions: Older adults and those with conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation, or limited sensation are at higher risk.
If left untreated, pressure injuries can progress through several stages, from mild reddening of the skin to deep, open wounds that may expose muscle or bone. These injuries are painful, increase the risk of infections (such as sepsis), and can lead to long-term physical and emotional distress for the resident.
Other Common Complications from Skilled Nursing Facility Residency
Pressure injuries are among the most common and serious complications in nursing homes, but there are other preventable issues that can arise due to substandard care:
Falls and Fractures
Nursing home residents are at high risk for falls, especially those with limited mobility, cognitive impairments, or conditions like osteoporosis. Falls can lead to serious complications such as broken bones, head trauma, and spinal injuries, all of which can severely impact the resident’s quality of life.
Many falls in nursing homes occur due to inadequate supervision, improper use of assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers), or environmental hazards such as wet floors or poorly maintained furniture. Failing to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of falls is a clear example of negligence on the part of a facility.
Malnutrition and Dehydration
In nursing homes, malnutrition and dehydration are often linked to neglect or improper care. Residents may not receive the proper nutrition they need due to:
- Inadequate staff to assist with eating or drinking
- Failure to monitor nutritional intake
- Improper meal planning
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), which is common in elderly patients but requires special care and attention
Malnutrition and dehydration can lead to severe complications, including weight loss, weakness, delayed wound healing, and increased risk of infections. Failure to provide adequate nutrition and hydration is not only detrimental to the resident’s physical health but also constitutes a violation of the standard of care.
Medication Errors
Medication management is one of the most important aspects of patient care in skilled nursing facilities, yet medication errors are alarmingly common. These errors can include:
- Incorrect dosages
- Failure to administer medications on time
- Administration of the wrong medications
- Failure to monitor for adverse reactions
These errors can lead to dangerous health complications, including overdoses, adverse drug reactions, and increased risk of hospitalizations. Proper medication management is essential to ensuring that residents are not harmed by their prescriptions.
Infections and Sepsis
Nursing home residents are at higher risk for infections due to weakened immune systems, chronic conditions, or invasive medical procedures (e.g., catheter use). Common infections in nursing homes include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Respiratory infections (e.g., pneumonia)
- Skin infections
Infections, particularly untreated or inadequately treated ones, can lead to severe complications, including sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by an infection spreading through the bloodstream. Infections are often preventable with proper hygiene, medical care, and attention to vulnerable residents.
Legal Implications: Holding Skilled Nursing Facilities Accountable
When nursing homes fail to provide adequate care, the results can be devastating for residents and their families. Legal recourse is available to families who suspect that their loved ones have suffered from neglect, abuse, or substandard care. Personal injury and medical malpractice claims can be pursued on behalf of nursing home residents who suffer from:
- Pressure injuries that develop due to neglect
- Falls caused by inadequate supervision or unsafe conditions
- Malnutrition or dehydration resulting from improper care
- Medication errors that lead to harm or death
- Infections caused by poor hygiene or improper medical practices
In these cases, the family may be entitled to compensation for the suffering and harm caused to the resident, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages if the abuse or neglect led to the resident’s death.
Why Choose Wyche for Skilled Nursing Facility Negligence Cases?
At Wyche, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that pressure injuries and other complications from nursing home negligence can cause. Our team is dedicated to advocating for the rights of residents and holding nursing homes accountable for the harm they cause. If you believe that your loved one has suffered due to neglect or abuse in a skilled nursing facility, we are here to help.
We offer compassionate legal representation, working closely with medical experts to investigate the circumstances surrounding your case and fight for the justice your loved one deserves. Our goal is to ensure that nursing homes are held accountable for their actions and that victims receive the compensation they need to recover.
Contact Wyche’s Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Team
If your loved one has experienced pressure injuries or other complications from residency in a skilled nursing facility, please contact Wyche today to speak with an experienced attorney. We are here to support you in seeking justice for your loved one’s suffering and ensuring that nursing homes are held accountable for their neglect.
For more personalized advice or to discuss your specific case, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. We are here to help you every step of the way.
