The attorneys at Yeroushalmi Law proudly offer our services to the city of Berkeley. We have created this page to inform this community of the prevalence of elder abuse in skilled nursing facilities. With over 16 years of experience, our dedicated nursing home neglect attorneys are equipped with the knowledge to help you and your loved one through this difficult time.
The city of Berkeley is located in the east San Francisco Bay Area. Most notably, the campus of the University of California, Berkeley is located in the city. The university, often nicknamed Cal, is the oldest in California’s UC system. Berkeley’s current population is 126,669. Despite much of the population being made up of young college students, the city of Berkeley is also home to six skilled nursing facilities.
Unfortunately, the injuries that occur within nursing homes are usually preventable. Pressure sores, also known as pressure ulcers or bed sores, are one of the most common injuries that occur in skilled nursing facilities. These occur when patients remain in the same position for extended periods of time, putting too much pressure on only one area of the body. This leads to a breakdown of the skin and can eventually even result in the exposure of the bone and tissues. You should closely monitor the heels of the feet, the lower back, and the buttocks for evidence of pressure ulcers.
Prevention for pressure ulcers is relatively simple, given that enough staff are provided to carry out these practices. First, nurses must ensure to reposition or turn patients frequently so that they are not putting pressure on just one area of the body for an extended period of time. Another factor that contributes to the prevention of pressure sores is nutrition. Nursing homes must monitor the patient’s diet and ensure that they are receiving all necessary nutrients. Although there are treatments that can be used to heal a pressure ulcer, it is usually much easier to prevent the sore from developing in the first place.
There are special mattresses that can help relieve pressure on a bed sore. However, these mattresses are also an effective means by which to prevent pressure sores from developing. Therefore, those who are already at high risk of developing pressure ulcers should receive these mattresses long before they even develop any bed sores.
When treating pressure sores, it is extremely important that the wound is continually cleaned. If caregivers fail to do so, pressure ulcers may become infected, which can be extremely dangerous and even lead to death. There are also medications that can be prescribed to help with healing. Therefore, it is important that nurses notify physicians of any changes in the development of the wound and that a doctor be informed of the progress of the healing. Although it is the nurse’s responsibility to do so, it is important that you stay involved in the process as well. Nursing homes do sometimes conceal injuries from loved ones to avoid any liability.
We would like to emphasize the importance of proactive pressure ulcer prevention and treatment. If your loved one has developed pressure sores, he or she may be a victim of neglect and nursing home abuse. Contact us today to speak with one of our nursing home neglect attorneys.