Use of a specialized mattress is one step that nursing homes must take to help residents from developing bed sores. One kind is a low air loss mattress.
Pressure is the main factor which causes bed sores, which is why they are sometimes called pressure ulcers. When someone is unable to move for extended periods of time, the weight of their body puts pressure on the small blood vessels which supply nutrients to the outer layers of skin. This is most pronounced over the bony prominences of the body which is why bed sores frequently develop there.
The low air loss mattress mattress serves to reduce pressure which is why they should be part of the pressure ulcer prevention care plan for any resident who was assessed as being at risk for developing bed sores as determined by the Braden Scale during the care planning process or who develops or is admitted to the nursing home with a bed sore. Without this kind of device a Stage 2 bed sore can rapidly deteriorate to a Stage 4 bed sore which place a resident at significant risk for developing an infection like cellulitis or osteomyelitis.
A low air loss mattress has a series of air filled tubes under the mattress surface which alternately inflate and deflate, which mimics the natural movement of the body for persons who are not stricken by immobility. This serves to relieve the pressure between the bony prominences and the mattress surface, providing crucial pressure relief.
When we represent a family whose loved has suffered from bed sores, one area of inquiry will always be whether or not a specialized mattress was used as a tool toward the prevention of bed sores or as a tool to help promote healing of the bed sores.
One of our core beliefs is that nursing homes are built to fail due to the business model they follow and that unnecessary injuries and illnesses and wrongful deaths of residents are the inevitable result, and failing to use this kind of equipment is a classic example of how that occurs. Order our FREE report, Built to Fail, to learn more about why. Our experienced Chicago nursing home lawyers are ready to help you understand what happened, why, and what your rights are. Contact us to get the help you need.
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