Bed Sores and Bruises: Both Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?

Bed sores occur when a person remains in the same position without moving for an extended period of time.  These sores are caused by friction on the skin from sheets, blankets, and clothing and can also be caused by the pressure of being in the same position for long periods.  According to many physicians, most bed sores are entirely preventable and occur only when patients are not monitored and moved at regular intervals by nursing home staff members.  If you see bed sores on your loved one, it may indicate that the nursing home staff has not been paying close attention to caring for and monitoring this person.  While some people bruise easily, unexplained bruises can also be a sign of nursing home abuse.  When nursing home staff members are angry with and abuse patients, they can sometimes restrain them or use physical force to make them comply with directions.  Bruises can also be caused by falls that happened when residents were not being supervised properly.  Many of these falls could have been prevented if the staff members were caring for the residents appropriately.  If you feel a loved one has had too many unexplained bruises, contact an Orange County nursing home abuse attorney to find out the next step to take.