Bed sores due to substandard care
While not all bed sores can be prevented, standards of care have been developed in order to prevent them in most cases. Bed sores, also known as decubitus ulcers, pressure ulcers or pressure sores, often occur in hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities when a patient has limited or no mobility. When a patient is unable to move, due to a spinal injury, paralysis, coma, surgery or any other reason, he or she must rely on the attending staff to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to prevent bed sores from developing.
Help for residents of nursing homes and adult care facilities
When we entrust people we care about to a licensed long-term care provider, we want to be certain of our choice and confident that the best care will be provided. Unfortunately, this is all too often not the case. For this reason, the government has designated an advocate, known as an Ombudsman, for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, assisted living facilities and similar adult care facilities. The Ombudsman can help you understand and exercise your rights to good care in an environment that protects an individual’s dignity and quality of life.