What Are Stage 2 Bedsores

Stage 2 bedsores are a warning sign that a nursing home resident may not be receiving adequate care. These sores are preventable, and their presence may indicate neglect or abuse. A Philadelphia bedsores lawyer can help your elder get the care they deserve.

Understanding Stage 2 Bedsores

Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, develop when prolonged pressure restricts blood flow to the skin, causing tissue damage. They progress in severity from Stage 1 to Stage 4, with Stage 2 representing a critical point where the skin has broken open and is at risk for infection. While bedsores can occur in individuals with limited mobility, they are often preventable with proper care. In nursing homes, the presence of Stage 2 bedsores may indicate neglect or abuse, as residents rely on staff for movement, hygiene, and overall care.

What Does a Stage 2 Bedsore Look Like?

A Stage 2 bedsore is more severe than a Stage 1 bedsore, where the skin remains intact but appears red or discolored. At Stage 2, the skin breaks open, forming a shallow wound or blister. The affected area becomes tender and sore to the touch and the surrounding skin can be inflamed, and the wound may ooze clear fluid.

Stage 2 bedsores most commonly appear on pressure points, such as the tailbone, hips, heels, elbows, and shoulders—areas where bones are close to the skin. These sores develop when a person remains in the same position for extended periods without relief.

How Stage 2 Bedsores Relate to Nursing Home Abuse

While not all bedsores result from neglect, their presence in nursing homes often raises serious concerns about the quality of care provided. The development of Stage 2 bedsores may indicate several forms of neglect, including:

• Failure to reposition residents: Immobile residents should be repositioned every two hours to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas.
• Inadequate hygiene and wound care: If staff fail to clean, dress, and monitor existing sores, infections can develop.
• Malnutrition and dehydration: Poor nutrition and lack of hydration weaken the skin and slow the healing process, increasing the risk of bedsores.
• Understaffing and lack of supervision: Many nursing homes operate with insufficient staff, leading to neglect of residents’ basic needs. When staff members are overwhelmed or untrained, residents may not receive the necessary care to prevent bedsores.

Legal Implications of Stage 2 Bedsores

When a nursing home resident develops Stage 2 bedsores due to neglect, it may constitute elder abuse or medical malpractice. Families who suspect their loved one is suffering from neglect have legal options to hold the facility accountable. Steps to take include:

Documenting the Bedsores

Take photos, keep medical records, and document conversations with staff regarding care.

Reporting the Abuse

Options for reporting include:

• Pennsylvania Department of Health: Oversees nursing home regulations and investigates complaints of neglect or abuse.
  • Phone: 1-800-254-5164
  • Online: File a complaint at http://apps.health.pa.gov/dohforms/FacilityComplaint.aspx

• Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA): Manages the Older Adult Protective Services program and investigates elder abuse.
  • Phone: (215) 765-9000

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: Advocates for nursing home residents and addresses care concerns through CARIE.
  • Phone: (215) 545-5728 or toll-free 1-800-356-3606

• Elder Abuse Hotline: 24/7 hotline operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging for reporting abuse.
  • Phone: 1-800-490-8505

Seeking Medical Treatment

Ensure the resident receives proper medical care to prevent further complications.

Consulting a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

An experienced Philadelphia Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer can investigate the case, gather evidence, and help hold the facility accountable.