What Are Common Nursing Home Bedsore Symptoms?
Symptoms of bedsores from nursing homes often start with mild skin irritation but can quickly worsen. Bedsores, also called pressure ulcers, bed sores, and decubitus ulcers, develop when prolonged pressure cuts off blood flow to the skin.
Here are the most common symptoms of bedsores from nursing homes:
- Blisters, scabs, or open wounds in areas under prolonged pressure
- Fragile or thinning skin that easily breaks and does not heal well
- Pain, tenderness, burning, or itching in the affected area
- Red, irritated, or dark skin that does not lighten when pressed
- Signs of infection, such as swelling, warmth, pus, foul odor, or fever
- Tissue damage, including blackened skin (necrosis) or deep wound exposure
Bedsores are usually preventable with proper care. As a result, bedsores in the very facilities meant to keep residents safe are usually a sign of nursing home neglect.
Families who notice symptoms of bedsores from nursing homes should take action if neglect is suspected.
The Nursing Home Abuse Center works with top attorneys across the nation. Together, they have recovered over $304 million for nursing home cases, like preventable bedsores.
Get a free case review right now to see if we may be able to help your family.
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Understanding Bedsore Risks in Nursing Homes
Knowing the causes of bedsores can help you identify when a loved one may be at an increased risk. These painful wounds develop when prolonged pressure reduces blood flow, leading to skin and tissue damage.
In nursing homes, bedsores are often caused by neglect, including failure to reposition residents, poor hygiene, and inadequate medical care.
Your loved one may be at a greater risk of bedsores if they:
- Experience mobility issues that make it hard to change position
- Have medical conditions like circulation problems that slow healing
- Live with dementia limiting their ability to communicate pain or discomfort
- Spend long periods in bed or a wheelchair without being repositioned
- Struggle with incontinence that exposes the skin to moisture and bacteria
- Suffer from malnutrition or dehydration, weakening the skin and body’s defenses
If a nursing home isn’t providing proper care, these risks can quickly lead to painful, dangerous bedsores. Take action to protect your loved one’s health.
Bedsore Symptoms by Stage
Bedsores progress through four stages, with symptoms becoming more severe over time if they are left untreated. Knowing what to look for at each stage can help prevent serious health risks.
Image above shows the different stages of bedsores.
Learn more about the stages of nursing home bedsore symptoms below.
Symptoms of Stage 1 Bedsores
In this stage, nursing home bedsore symptoms may show up as mild signs of skin issues or pain.
Stage 1 bedsores can look like:
- Discolored skin with redness or darkening over bony areas
- Pain, tenderness, or itching in the affected area
- Swelling, warmth, or firmness when touched
Symptoms of bedsores from nursing homes are often reversible at this stage with frequent repositioning and proper skin care.
Symptoms of Stage 2 Bedsores
Stage 2 bedsores from nursing homes are a warning sign that the blood supply has cut off so much that the skin is now breaking down.
Symptoms of stage 2 bedsores include:
- Increased pain and tenderness
- Open sore or blister forms, exposing the epidermis
- Skin may appear moist or discolored
Treatment should begin immediately to prevent tissue damage from worsening, possibly leading to infection and other health issues.
Symptoms of Stage 3 Bedsores
Stage 3 pressure ulcers wear away at the tissue even more.
Signs of bedsores at this stage can include:
- Dead tissue or open wounds with possible infection of the affected area
- Deep tissue damage that extends beyond the epidermis (the skin)
- Signs of cellulitis (swelling, warmth, and redness) in the areas around the open wound
Without treatment, stage 3 bedsores can take months to heal and may require surgery to remove dead tissue.
Symptoms of Stage 4 Bedsores
Stage 4 bedsores are extremely serious and can result in permanent tissue injury, blood infections, or even amputation in severe cases.
Common symptoms of stage 4 bedsores include:
- Large open wounds with visible dead tissue
- Severe tissue damage exposing muscle, bone, or tendons
- Signs of infection, like sepsis (blood infection) or osteomyelitis (bone infection)
Get immediate medical care if your loved one’s health is at risk. When they are safe, consider talking with an experienced nursing home neglect attorney.
If your loved one developed a stage 3 or stage 4 bedsore in a care facility, neglect was likely involved. Taking legal action could help you hold the facility accountable and access compensation for medical costs.
We work with experienced nursing home attorneys who help families in all 50 states. Do not wait — get a free case review today.
Fight back against nursing home abuse and neglect — start now with a free case review.
Start My Free Case Reviewor call (855) 264-6310How to Monitor for Nursing Home Bedsore Symptoms
If your loved one is in a nursing home, keeping an eye on their health can help prevent symptoms of bedsores from nursing homes from worsening.
Watch for these warning signs and risk factors:
- Bedding or clothing that is frequently damp or soiled
- Caregivers failing to reposition your loved one regularly
- Pain when moving or sitting for long periods
- Signs of infection, like pus, warmth, or swelling
- Skin damage, dark patches, or redness over bony areas
If you notice any of these issues, speak with nursing home caregivers right away. Untreated bedsores can lead to serious complications, and delayed care may be a sign of neglect.
Signs Nursing Home Bedsore Symptoms Are Getting Worse
As bedsores progress, the skin can break open, creating painful wounds that expose deeper tissue. What starts as redness and irritation may worsen into deep sores, making healing more difficult.
Blackened skin may indicate dead tissue, while increased pain or tenderness can signal infection.
If an infection spreads, symptoms like fever, chills, or confusion may develop, which could be life-threatening. Nursing home staff should check residents regularly and respond immediately if a bedsore worsens.
Delayed treatment can lead to serious complications, including infections that put a resident’s health at risk. If a facility fails to take action, you may need to step in.
An experienced nursing home abuse lawyer may be able to help if you suspect negligence led to your loved one’s condition.
Treating Symptoms of Bedsores From Nursing Homes
Bedsores cause a range of symptoms that worsen if not properly managed. Addressing symptoms of bedsores from nursing homes early can prevent serious injuries and improve recovery.
Learn more about treating symptoms of bedsores from nursing homes below.
Managing Early Symptoms of Bedsores From Nursing Homes
Early-stage bedsores often show mild but concerning symptoms that require immediate attention.
Caregivers can help manage symptoms of bedsores from nursing homes by:
- Applying protective creams to soothe irritation and prevent further damage
- Changing positions frequently to relieve pressure on bony areas
- Ensuring proper nutrition with protein, vitamins, and zinc to support skin health
- Keeping skin clean and dry to reduce infection risks
- Using pressure-relieving cushions and mattresses to protect fragile skin
When treated promptly, symptoms of the earlier stages of bedsores can improve without lasting damage.
Managing Severe Symptoms of Bedsores From Nursing Homes
Advanced bedsores result in deeper wounds and a higher risk of infection.
Symptoms of bedsores from nursing homes may require:
- Cleaning wounds with saline solutions to remove bacteria and debris
- Debridement to eliminate dead tissue and promote healing
- Intravenous (IV) antibiotics to fight joint infections, sepsis, and osteomyelitis
- Pain management to reduce discomfort from open wounds
- Skin grafts to cover large sores and support tissue repair
Some bedsore symptoms require urgent medical care to prevent long-term harm. If left untreated, they can lead to life-threatening complications like sepsis.
No one should suffer from pressure ulcers due to neglect. Taking legal action may be the only way to hold the facility accountable and seek justice for loved ones.
Legal Help for Nursing Home Bedsore Symptoms
Bedsores are more than just skin damage — they can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated. Serious infections can develop, and poor circulation may slow healing.
Reporting the issue, seeking medical care, and taking legal action can ensure your loved one receives the care they deserve.
The Nursing Home Abuse Center partners with top nursing home attorneys who can help families in all 50 states. Together, they have recovered over $304 million for nursing home abuse and neglect.
If your loved one is suffering from pressure sores due to neglect, don’t wait — help is available.
Find out if our legal partners can help you file a bedsore lawsuit to access the funds you need for your loved one’s care.
Call us at (855) 264-6310 or get a free case review right now to get started.
Symptoms of Bedsores From Nursing Homes FAQs
What do bed sores look like when they start?
When bedsores first develop, they often appear as red, irritated, or discolored skin that does not turn white when pressed.
The area may feel warm, firm, or tender and can cause pain or itching. In darker skin tones, early bedsores may look purplish or blue rather than red.
If left untreated, the skin may start to break down, leading to open wounds.
What causes bedsores in nursing homes?
Bedsores in nursing homes are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, usually from staying in the same position for too long.
This reduces blood flow, leading to tissue damage. Residents with limited mobility are most at risk, especially if staff fail to reposition them regularly.
Other factors like poor nutrition, dehydration, and unclean skin can also contribute to bedsores. Proper care and attention can often prevent them.
Bed sore treatment can be both lengthy and costly. If a loved one tragically passes, funeral expenses can add unexpected financial strain. Suing a negligent nursing home may help you access needed funds.
Call the Nursing Home Abuse Center at (855) 264-6310 or get a free case review right now to find out if we can help your family.
Can bedsore symptoms be a sign of neglect or abuse?
Yes, pressure injuries often indicate neglect in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. A lack of proper repositioning, skincare, nutrition, and medical attention can contribute to their development.
If you notice symptoms of bedsores from nursing homes, getting medical care right away can help stop the sore from getting worse.
Bedsores can cause severe pain and may indicate nursing home neglect. If your loved one suffered due to poor care, legal action may be an option.
Call us at (855) 264-6310 right now to find out if we can help you take legal action.
Can bedsore symptoms point to other health conditions?
Yes. Conditions such as diabetes, vascular disease, and malnutrition can worsen pressure ulcers and delay wound healing.
What is the best treatment for bedsores?
Early bedsore treatment includes repositioning the body for better flow of blood supply to different parts of your body, skincare, and proper nutrition. Severe cases of bedsores require debridement, antibiotic ointments, oral medications, and medical care.
Can you sue for a loved one who developed bedsores in a nursing home?
Yes. If pressure sores resulted from neglect, you may be able to sue the nursing home for negligence.
A lawyer skilled in nursing home neglect can help you build your case against the health care professionals responsible for your loved one’s injuries.
