How to Treat a Bedsore

The development of a bedsore (or pressure sore) inbedsore patient should eat plenty of protein, take
an elderly or bedridden loved one can be a scary500 mg of Vitamin C supplements twice a day (as
ordeal. Bedsores are painful and often require monthsalways, consult with a doctor before taking
of treatment before they heal. Bedsores can also besupplements) and drink 8 glass of water a day to
fatal if not cared for properly; therefore, it isprevent dehydration. It is a proven fact that patients
important that family members are extremelywho receive proper nutrition will not only heal faster,
involved in the treatment process.but will be less likely to get another bedsore in the
The following list offers practical tips on how to treatfuture.
a bedsore. Families can also use the list as a gauge toLegal Rights of a Bedsore Patient
determine whether their loved one is receivingNursing homes and hospitals have specific guidelines
appropriate care from the nursing home or hospitalaimed at preventing bedsores. Therefore, if a
staff. In addition, I encourage you to read ahead tobedsore develops, it is safe to conclude that
the legal rights of a bedsore patient. Bedsores are asomeone was not following the rules. These sores
clear sign of neglect in nursing home or hospitalare so unacceptable that insurance companies are
setting. You have the legal right to hold these facilitiesnow refusing to pay doctors for bedsore treatment.
accountable for the pain and suffering they haveThe reason for this is simple-bedsores are easier to
caused your loved one.prevent than treat. In most cases, bedsores are just
Bedsore Prevention Methodsthe result of carelessness and neglect. Fortunately,
*Keep Moving- Ideally, a bedsore patient shouldinsurance companies are not the only ones taking a
move every 15 minutes to keep pressure off of thestand against such negligent behavior. Bedsore
sore. If this frequency is not possible (as in the casepatients and family members have turned to the
of an immobile resident), the bedsore patient mustcourt system to hold hospitals and nursing homes
be moved at least every two hours. He or sheresponsible for the pain and suffering they have
should also be kept off of the sore as much ascaused. And while the hospital or nursing home may
possible. Special mattresses, foam blocks or specialinsist that bedsores are unavoidable even under the
chairs may help keep your loved one comfortablebest circumstances, nothing can be further than the
during the repositioning process. *Keep it Clean- Thetruth.
bedsore should be cleaned with Saline solution andTherefore, it is highly recommended that you consult
wrapped with an occlusive dressing. Occlusivewith an elder abuse lawyer upon the discovery of a
dressing is a clear transparent bandage that can sealbedsore. Most elder abuse attorneys work on a
itself to the wound and is found at your local medicalcontingency basis, which means they do not get paid
supply store. The bandage should also be left on forunless they win your case. So at the very least, you
a few days before it is changed. If the dressing iscan get free legal advice and professional guidance on
changed too often, it will inhibit the body's naturalhow to protect your loved one from any further
growth factors from connecting with the raw tissue.neglect on behalf of the nursing home or hospital.
*Get Healthy- Malnutrition is common in bedsoreUltimately, you are the best advocate for you loved
patients. This condition contributes to the easyone. If he or she is suffering, do not hesitate to call
breakdown of the skin. To promote healing, thein help on their behalf.