Pressure sores in elderly patients

Pressure sores are a painful and long-lasting result of clinical negligence. Unfortunately, these wounds are more common than you may think in hospitals and places of care worldwide. Whether it's due to insufficient staffing, lack of training, or plain neglect, pressure ulcers are a common source of hospital negligence claims amongst elderly individuals.

So, what are pressure sores, why are they so common among elderly individuals, and how do you make a claim? Here, we cover all you need to know about these kinds of negligence claims, from the risks of pressure sores in elderly patients to what you need to do if you suspect hospital negligence is responsible.

What are pressure sores, and how are they caused?

Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or pressure sores, are injuries that occur to the skin and tissue underneath due to extended amounts of time spent in a chair or bed without movement. While pressure sores don't just affect vulnerable elderly people, they are more common thanks to a lack of activity and if a patient needs around the clock care.

The pressure placed on the skin by remaining in the same position eventually leads to discoloured and itchy skin, typically in the heels, elbows, hips, buttocks or lower back. This leads to more open severe wounds and blisters that can go deep into the tissue under the skin and cause pain and discomfort. If left uncared-for, these deep wounds on the affected area can even cause life-threatening infections or eat through tissue and reach the bone underneath, causing severe pain.

Read about the different gradings for pressure sores here.

Why are pressure sores so common among elderly hospital patients?

The risk of a pressure sore developing increases when there is a lack of movement at any stage of life, and often elderly individuals are far more likely to struggle with mobility. This means that elderly people who are in wheelchairs or bed-bound are more likely to be putting pressure on specific areas of the body for hours, days, and weeks.

A combination of other factors also makes elderly people more susceptible to pressure sores. For example, easily damaged or thin skin can be harmed more easily by pressure, while elderly hospital, nursing home and care home patients who have trouble with communication or issues with dementia may not be to communicate pain or health concerns that they are experiencing. These reasons make it all more vital for medical professionals and nursing home staff to adequately protect their patients from pressure ulcers.

Pressure ulcer prevention relies heavily on hospital staff taking preventive measures - such as ensuring an elderly person changes position frequently and making sure the skin stays clean and dry, which is a huge risk factor for pressure sores. Hospital staff should also keep a lookout for signs and symptoms of developing pressure sores in an elderly patient.

How to spot skin breakdown in loved ones

Do you suspect your loved one has a pressure sore? The following signs can indicate this:

• Significant changes in skin colour. You may notice redness in lighter skin and blue and purple in darker skin. Try gently pressing on the discoloured area with your finger - the area should go white, and if you remove pressure from the area, it should return to the darkened colour within a few seconds, which indicates good blood flow. If the area stays white, pressure damage has begun.
• Changes in skin texture. The skin may feel soft or boggy.
• Abrasions or blisters. These symptoms can signify a developing injury.
• If your loved one mentions any numbness, burning, itching, pain, or tingling – these can all be red flags.
• Extreme warmth or unusual coolness in areas of the skin.
• Bruising over at-risk areas.

How should pressure sores in elderly individuals be prevented?

Seniors who are more at risk of developing pressure sores require gentle care, particularly if the skin is extremely thin or fragile. The following methods should be used to ensure pressure ulcers don’t develop:

• Repositioning every two hours.
• Providing extra cushioning to protect at-risk areas.
• The skin should be lubricated and free of excess moisture. Hospital staff should use barrier creams after every adult brief change to promote skin integrity. Staff should avoid rough scrubbing motions when helping a senior bathe, and the right lotions and creams should be provided to make the skin more resilient.
• Nutritious meals should be provided. Inadequate nutrition can actually slow down the regenerative process, and significant weight loss can mean there is less tissue to help cushion bony areas.
• Daily skin checks should be provided of at-risk areas.

Making a claim

If you feel you have a claim to make for medical negligence for yourself or a loved one, you may want to seek compensation in a claim against the hospital, nursing or care home. Here's what you can expect:

Can I get compensation?

If there is a genuine case of negligence, you will be able to make a claim. For the best chances of receiving compensation, working with an experienced legal service can help ensure you receive compensation in line with the risks and problems caused by clinical negligence.

How do I make a hospital negligence claim?

To make a hospital negligence claim, you'll first need to speak to a solicitor who specialises in clinical or medical negligence to get the ball rolling. From there, you'll be able to provide evidence to make your claim. Often, compensation is settled out of court for negligence cases.

What can I expect from a hospital negligence claim for pressure sores?

Pressure sores can cause anything from general pain to severe infection and life-threatening illness. The specific nature of your pressure sore compensation claim will vary based on the exact details of your case. In the vast majority of cases, expert solicitors will be able to handle all aspects of your claim for you.

What is the difference between making a medical negligence claim and making a complaint about pressure sores?

If you're more interested in receiving an explanation of an apology for negligence, speaking directly to your healthcare provider is the first step. However, complaints do not lead to compensation, and any complaints you make should be carried out within six months of the incident. If you're unhappy with the response from the provider, you may then go on to claim them. This correspondence may even be used as proof of negligence in your case.

How Wake Smith can help

As experts in medical negligence claims, our team at Wake Smith are here to assist you in getting the compensation you and your loved ones deserve. We have successfully represented clients under the Human Rights Act and have a strong track record in helping individuals receive compensation. Medical negligence is a serious problem, and we work with you to ensure you receive the proper care every step of the way. So, whether you're claiming for yourself, a loved one, or a family member who has passed away due to negligence, we're here to help.

Contact us today to get started or find out more about our medical and clinical negligence services here.

Frequently asked questions - pressure sore negligence claims

What are the consequences of pressure sores?

Pressure sores can lead to lifelong injuries, wounds, and even infections if not properly treated. In severe cases of neglect, pressure sores can even contribute to the death of elderly individuals.

What are the complications of pressure sores?

Bedsores have many complications when left untreated. This can include infections in the bones and joints, cellulitis, sepsis, and cancer.

What are the risk factors of pressure sores?

Elderly people are more susceptible to pressure injuries due to a range of risk factors. This includes immobility, urinary and bowel incontinence, delicate skin, and the possible inability to communicate discomfort.

What are the different types of pressure sores?

Pressure sores fall into four different categories. Category 1 is the first sign of discoloured skin and pain, while Categories 2-4 are an open wound, a deep wound and a wound that reaches muscle or bone, respectively.

Are bedsores considered neglect?

In some cases, bedsores are not a sign of neglect. This is particularly the case in patients who have the mobility and capacity to care for themselves. However, many pressure ulcer development cases result from the negligence or inexperience of medical professionals and care workers.

How much compensation can you claim for pressure sores?

Pressure sore compensation depends entirely on the claim itself. Speak with our team at Wake Smith to find out more about your individual claim.

How long does a pressure sore claim take?

Pressure sore claims are often awarded compensation out of court, which means there is a relatively short time from claiming to receiving compensation and closure. Speaking with an expert medical negligence team will give you a good idea of how long your claim will take.

How is a pressure sore treated once identified?

Dressings, changes in diet, regular movement and debridement are all common treatments in pressure ulcer care.

Related content

Types of pressure sore negligence claims

What to expect when making a pressure sore negligence claim