Why Bedsores in Nursing Homes Are a Serious Concern

elderly person in hospital bed

1. Bedsores Are Often Preventable

Many bedsores are completely preventable with proper care and supervision.

“Regularly changing a person’s lying or sitting position is the best way to prevent pressure ulcers.” (NCBI Study)

Up to 95% of all pressure sores are preventable when staff follow standard care protocols (MSKTC).

2. Bedsores Signal Neglect or Inadequate Care

When a resident develops a pressure sore, it may be a red flag that the nursing home failed to:

  • Reposition the patient regularly
  • Provide adequate nutrition or hydration
  • Monitor and document skin changes
  • Train staff in wound prevention

Research also shows under-reporting of serious ulcers — only 67.7% of Stage 3–4 ulcers were reported by facilities (JAMA Network Study).

3. Bedsores Can Be Life-Threatening

Severe bedsores can lead to infection, sepsis, hospitalization, and even death. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) notes that pressure ulcers cost billions each year and cause major suffering (AHRQ Toolkit).

Common Risk Factors in Nursing Homes

Those at greatest risk include:

What Nursing Homes Should Be Doing to Prevent Bedsores

Facilities are required by law and by federal CMS standards to implement preventive measures such as:

  • Daily skin checks and documentation 
  • Repositioning every 1–2 hours for immobile residents (Cleveland Clinic Guide)
  • Proper support surfaces (special mattresses and cushions) (NCBI Review)
  • Nutrition, hydration, and hygiene management (MedlinePlus Guide)

Failure to do so could constitute negligence, and families have the right to take legal action when a facility’s inaction leads to injury.

What to Do If Your Loved One Has Bedsores

If you notice a pressure sore on your loved one:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately to prevent infection.
  2. Report the issue in writing to the nursing home administrator.
  3. Take photos and document dates, names, and staff responses.
  4. Request wound care specialists or outside evaluation.
  5. Contact an attorney experienced in nursing home abuse and neglect cases.

Why Choose The Bongiorno Law Firm

At The Bongiorno Law Firm, our attorneys are dedicated to protecting New York’s most vulnerable residents. We handle cases involving:

  • Nursing home neglect and abuse
  • Bedsores and infection injuries
  • Falls due to lack of supervision

Our team combines compassion with aggressive advocacy. When you trust us with your case, you’re backed by decades of legal experience, medical experts, and courtroom success.

Call (516) 741-4170 or visit thebongiornolawfirm.com for a free consultation.

Final Thoughts

Bedsores are not just signs of aging or illness—they’re warning signs of neglect. Every resident deserves to live in a facility that protects their dignity and health.


If you believe your loved one has suffered due to nursing home neglect, contact The Bongiorno Law Firm today.

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