Bed sores are a significant health concern for those with limited mobility, especially elderly individuals who rely on others, such as nursing home staff, for their care and movement.
Understanding more about bed sore stages can help you be an effective advocate for your loved ones who are under someone else’s care, helping you recognize early signs and know when medical intervention is needed. Read on for an overview of the four bed sore stages and what they could mean for your family member.
What Are Bed Sores?
Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. They typically develop on bony areas of the body, such as the hips, tailbone, heels, and elbows, that have less padding to protect the bone and muscles.
These sores are common in individuals with limited mobility, such as those who are bedridden or use a wheelchair. Because many nursing home residents are in these or similar situations, bed sores are common in nursing homes when proper preventative measures aren’t taken.
What Are the Four Bed Sore Stages?
When early signs of bed sores are not addressed promptly, they can progress into more serious wounds and infections. Here’s an overview of the four bed sore stages that can occur if bed sores aren’t treated:
Stage 1
In stage 1, bed sores may have bruises that look red, blue, or purple on the skin and do not blanch when pressed. These areas may feel warm or tender to the touch and could cause minor itching or discomfort. At this stage, the skin remains intact, and early intervention can prevent further progression.
Stage 2
Stage 2 bed sores involve the loss of the outer layer of skin. The affected area may look like an open, shallow wound or a fluid-filled blister. Proper wound care and pressure relief are crucial at this stage.
Stage 3
In stage 3, deeper layers of skin are lost, exposing the fatty tissue beneath the skin. The sore may appear as a deep crater and could have signs of infection, such as redness, drainage, or darkened skin around the edge of the wound. Medical treatment is necessary to promote healing and prevent complications.
Stage 4
Stage 4 bed sores are the most severe, involving extensive tissue damage that may expose muscle, bone, or joints. These sores present the risk of serious infection and may require surgical intervention. Prompt and comprehensive care is essential to address these advanced wounds.
What Are the Risks Associated with Untreated Bed Sores?
When bed sores are not treated promptly, patients are put at high risk of pain, infection, and further medical complications.
Slower Healing and Increased Pain
Untreated bed sores can lead to prolonged healing times, causing persistent pain and discomfort for the individual. This significantly decreases the quality of life, as the open wounds remain vulnerable to further irritation and damage.
Reduced Mobility and Joint Problems
The presence of bed sores may discourage movement due to pain, ultimately leading to reduced mobility. Over time, this immobility can result in joint stiffness, decreased range of motion, and even the development of additional sores and other complications.
Damage to Bones, Tendons, and Surrounding Tissue
If left untreated, wounds in the more severe bed sore stages can extend deep into the body, affecting underlying tendons, muscles, and even bones. This can lead to complications such as osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection that requires intensive medical treatment.
High Risk of Infection and Sepsis
One of the most serious risks of untreated bed sores is infection. Open wounds provide a direct pathway for bacteria to enter the bloodstream, increasing the likelihood of sepsis—a life-threatening condition where the body’s response to infection damages its own tissues and organs. Without prompt medical intervention, sepsis can lead to organ failure and death.
What If My Family Member Developed Bed Sores in a Nursing Home?
As mentioned above, bed sores are common in nursing homes due to the limited mobility of many residents. However, with proper prevention techniques and quick treatment for early signs of wounds, the progression through the bed sore stages can be avoided.
If someone you love developed bed sores while staying in a nursing home, and you believe they did not receive proper preventative or responsive care, you may have a nursing home abuse or negligence case on your hands.Don’t hesitate to reach out to PMP and talk through your situation. We’ll provide expert advice on the best way to proceed, as well as compassion and personalized support for your unique case. Together, we can fight back against improper nursing home care and make the future safer for our loved ones.