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By Tamara Hill

In 2002, a new grading system for nursing homes was put into effect in an effort to measure and improve quality. While some areas of care have improved, the frequency of pressure or bed sores has increased over the last two years.

Pressure sores are painful and often deadly problems that are avoidable. These ulcers result when residents, whose skin is fragile, eat poorly, drink too little water, do not move about, or are left in clothes wet from urine.

On page 5 of our May 2005 newsletter (pdf), we detail three recent cases where patients from area nursing homes suffered from multiple, severe bed sores and died as a result.

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities should be held accountable for their negligence. Pressure sores, malnutrition, dehydration, falls and burns are preventable. If a loved one has pressure sores from malnutrition or shows other signs of neglect, contact Hill Boren for a free consultation.

Tamara Hill is an attorney and a registered nurse. Prior to becoming a lawyer, she served as director of nursing at an area nursing home.