My Parent Suffered Pressure Sores in a Care Home: Understanding and Addressing This Form of Neglect
Posted on 29th January 2024
Discovering that a parent has suffered from pressure sores while in a care home can be both distressing and alarming. It raises serious questions about the level of care and attention provided. In this blog, Mark Gregory, Director and solicitor specialising in Medical Negligence compensation at MG Legal, delves into what pressure sores are, the extent of this issue in UK care homes, and how MG Legal, a no win no fee solicitor with offices in Preston, Lancaster, Longridge, and Lytham, can assist in these situations.
What Are Pressure Sores?
Pressure sores, also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. They commonly occur on skin that covers bony areas such as heels, ankles, hips, and tailbone. Pressure sores can cause severe pain and lead to serious infections.
The Department of Health (2018) pressure ulcer guidance identifies that a pressure ulcer is a localised injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence. The 4 main factors implicated are interface pressure, shear, friction, and moisture. Pressure ulcers can range in severity from patches of discoloured skin to open wounds that expose the underlying bone or muscle. NICE (2018) supports this by reporting that pressure ulcers are caused when an area of skin and the tissues below are damaged as a result of being placed under pressure sufficient to impair its blood supply. Typically, they occur in a person confined to bed or a chair by an illness and as a result they are sometimes referred to as ‘bedsores’, or ‘pressure sores’.
There are 6 categories of pressure ulcer:
Stage I: non-blanchable
Stage II: partial thickness
Stage III: full thickness skin loss
Stage IV: full thickness tissue loss
Suspected deep tissue injury
Unstageable: full thickness skin or tissue loss
No Win, No Fee Solicitors:
MG Legal's leading No Win, No Fee Solicitors accept all our Injury Compensation claims on a No Win, No Fee basis.
Our team put your first, and work with care to ensure that your wishes are met. Call us today on a free, no-obligation basis at: 01772 783314.
Get in touch today to speak to our No Win, No Fee.
The Prevalence of Pressure Sores in UK Care Homes
In the UK, over 700,000 people are affected by pressure ulcers each year, and over 60% of ulcers occur in people aged over 70 years of age. Statistics reveal a concerning trend in the prevalence of pressure sores among care home residents in the UK. These figures not only highlight the magnitude of the issue but also underscore the need for improved care standards and accountability in care homes.
Recognising the Signs of Neglect in Care Homes
Pressure sores are often a telltale sign of neglect. They can occur due to:
Inadequate turning and repositioning of immobile residents.
Poor nutrition and hydration management.
Insufficient skin care and hygiene practices.
Why choose MG Legal Solicitors?
Transparent fees.
Our solicitors offer their services on a clear fixed-fee or hourly rate, and accept personal injury claims on a no win no fee basis.
We are the experts.
Here at MG Legal, our team of friendly solicitors are fully-qualified and have over thirty years' experience in helping clients just like you.
Regular communication.
When you work with MG Legal, your solicitor will be in regular contact so you have step-by-step updates.
Multiple office locations.
If you are looking to instruct our solicitors, we have offices in Garstang, Longridge, Lancaster, and Lytham for your convenience.
The Impact of Pressure Sores on Health
Apart from being painful, pressure sores can lead to serious complications like infections, sepsis, and even life-threatening conditions, particularly in the elderly with compromised health.
How MG Legal Can Help
If your parent has suffered from pressure sores due to care home negligence, MG Legal, with offices throughout Lancashire, is here to assist. As experienced no win no fee solicitors, we specialise in handling cases of care home neglect and can help you:
Understand your legal rights and options.
Investigate and gather evidence of negligence.
Pursue compensation for harm and suffering caused.
Taking Legal Action with MG Legal
At MG Legal, we understand the emotional and physical toll of such situations. Our team, spread across Preston, Lancaster, Longridge, and Lytham, accept care home negligence claims for anyone in England and Wales, and is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal support to ensure that justice is served. We accept all cases of care home neglect and care home negligence, on a no win no fee basis, and have a success rate of over 99% for the care home negligence cases we accept.
Pressure sores are not just medical conditions; they are often indicators of deeper issues in care home management. If you're facing this situation, know that you're not alone. MG Legal is here to guide you through the legal process, ensuring that your loved one's rights and well-being are protected.
Why choose MG Legal, No Win No Fee Solicitors?
Clear, fixed-fees
Fully-Qualified No Win No Fee Solicitors
Tailored Service
Multiple Office Locations
Decades of Experience
Home Visits
Share this post: