Pressure sores, also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers, are a serious sign of neglect in nursing homes. These painful wounds develop when residents are not properly repositioned, hydrated, or given adequate care. Families often discover pressure sores only after they have progressed to an advanced stage, leaving them to wonder whether the nursing home tried to hide the issue. Understanding how nursing homes cover up pressure sores can help families recognize red flags and take action.
Why Preventing Pressure Sores Is Critical
Preventing pressure sores is typically easier than attempting to heal them. Nursing homes should have strict protocols in place to reduce the risk of these painful wounds. Prevention efforts should include:
- Regular Repositioning of residents to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas.
- Using pressure-relieving mattresses and cushions to minimize skin breakdown.
- Ensuring proper hydration and nutrition to support skin integrity.
- Frequent skin assessments to catch early signs of breakdown.
- Maintaining hygiene and moisture control to prevent irritation.
If a nursing home fails to take these steps, residents are at a much higher risk of developing serious sores, which can lead to infections, sepsis or even death.
Common Tactics Nursing Homes Use to Hide Pressure Sores
Nursing homes that fail to prevent or properly treat pressure sores may resort to deceptive tactics to conceal the issue from families and regulators. These cover-up methods are often intended to avoid liability, maintain a good reputation, and prevent legal action. Families should be aware of the following common strategies used to hide pressure sores:
Delaying Family Notification
One of the most common ways nursing homes hide pressure sores is by failing to notify families when they first appear. Staff may wait until the sore has worsened significantly before informing relatives, making it seem as if the wound developed suddenly.
Misrepresenting the Severity of Wounds
Instead of openly disclosing the presence of pressure sores, some nursing homes downplay their severity or mislabel them to avoid scrutiny. Even when families are informed, staff may use misleading language to minimize concern and prevent further inquiry.
Families may hear the wound characterized as “a little breakdown”, “some irritation” or “moisture-associated dermatitis” instead of admitting that there is a worsening pressure injury.
By misrepresenting the true severity of these wounds, nursing homes attempt to prevent families from asking questions, demanding better care, or seeking legal action.
Covering Wounds with Bandages or Clothing
It is often difficult for families to learn of pressure sores because they are concealed with bandages, blankets, or clothing. Staff may also discourage families from inspecting their loved one’s skin, claiming it is unnecessary or that they must follow “facility protocols” for wound care. Families are often asked to leave the room when wound care is being performed. As a result families often have no understanding as to how significant a wound is.
Altering Medical Records
In some cases, nursing home staff may falsify or alter medical records to cover up the development of pressure sores. This could include backdating records to make it appear as though proper care was given, omitting details about the severity of the wound, or even fabricating reports that suggest the resident was repositioned regularly when they were not.
Blaming the Resident’s Health Condition
Instead of admitting negligence, nursing homes may attribute pressure sores to preexisting health conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation, or advanced age. While some residents are at higher risk, pressure sores are largely preventable with proper care. Facilities use this excuse to shift blame away from staff and avoid liability.
Why Nursing Homes Want to Keep Pressure Sores Secret
Pressure sores are largely preventable with proper care, making them a red flag for neglect. Nursing homes may try to cover up their existence to:
- Avoiding regulatory penalties: State and federal agencies can impose fines or revoke licenses for improper care.
- Prevent lawsuits: Facilities may fear legal claims from families whose loved ones suffered due to negligence.
- Maintain a good reputation: High rates of pressure sores can lead to negative reviews and reduced admissions.
- Hide understaffing issues: Many cases of neglect stem from inadequate staff numbers or poorly trained caregivers.
Because pressure sores can indicate serious neglect, nursing homes may go to great lengths to keep them hidden.
Why It Is Important to Notify Family and Physicians Immediately
When a pressure sore is discovered, timely intervention is crucial. Nursing homes have a duty to report these wounds to the patient and/or the patient’s family and the patient’s doctor. Immediate notification is necessary because it is imperative that steps be taken to offload pressure to the affected area and to begin treatment in order to prevent further breakdown and to allow for the wound to heal. Without prompt medical evaluation, a minor sore can turn into a life-threatening condition.
How Families Can Uncover the Truth
Nursing homes may attempt to hide pressure sores, but families can take proactive steps to ensure their loved ones receive proper care. By staying vigilant, asking the right questions, and gathering evidence, families can uncover neglect and hold facilities accountable. Here are key steps to take:
Regularly Inspect your Loved One’s Skin
Families should conduct routine checks of their loved one’s skin, especially on high-risk areas like the back, heels, and hips. If staff members discourage you from doing so, this could be a red flag.
Ask Direct Questions
Demand clear, specific answers from staff about your loved one’s condition. If a pressure sore is found, ask when the sore was first noticed, and what care measures have been taken. If responses are vague or inconsistent, further investigation may be needed.
Take Photographic Evidence
If you suspect neglect, document any visible wounds with photographs and timestamps. These images can serve as crucial evidence if legal action is necessary.
Consult a Nursing Home Negligence Attorney
An attorney specializing in elder abuse and nursing home negligence can help investigate the circumstances surrounding a pressure sore and determine if legal action is warranted. They can obtain expert witnesses, review facility records, and hold negligent parties accountable.
Conclusion
Pressure sores are usually preventable, and when they occur, they are typically a sign of patient neglect. Unfortunately, some nursing homes go to great lengths to hide these injuries from families to avoid liability. By recognizing the tactics used to conceal pressure sores, families can take proactive steps to protect their loved ones and seek justice if necessary. If you suspect a nursing home is covering up neglect, do not hesitate to ask questions, gather evidence, and seek legal assistance.
The Powless Law Firm is an Indiana law firm that represents victims and families state-wide in serious cases involving nursing home neglect, medical negligence, birth injury, personal injury, and wrongful death. If you have concerns about nursing home negligence, please contact us at (877) 769-5377. Together we can make a difference.