Improper Wound Care can Lead to Infections, Sepsis, Amputations and Death
The failure to provide proper wound care after a resident develops a sore such as a pressure sore or from any other sources such as a surgical site, ostomy or others can lead to serious infection, sepsis, and even amputations and death.
It is essential that any change in condition is assessed and monitored. Regulations demand that there is proper charting of wounds including the size, depth and other characteristics. A qualified doctor or wound care professional should be notified of any negative changes in the wound status.
Federal Law Mandates Residents Shall Not Develop Sores and Must Receive Proper Wound Care
Federal regulations pertaining to the operation of skilled nursing facilities – nursing homes. Facilities are required to provide the highest quality of care practicable.
42 CFR 483.25 (b) Skin integrity –
(1)Pressure ulcers. Based on the comprehensive assessment of a resident, the facility must ensure that –
(i) A resident receives care, consistent with professional standards of practice, to prevent pressure ulcers and does not develop pressure ulcers unless the individual’s clinical condition demonstrates that they were unavoidable
Investigate Faciiities History with Wound Care
Minnesota state has several resources to review elder care facilities, including a way to search for health care providers complaints, facility certification regulation and licensing, resident and provider resources, and information on choosing a facility.
The state provides resources on choosing a facility including information onhttps://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/regulation/choosefacility.html Nursing Home, Home Care and Other Survey, Inspection and Complaint Results.
Other information about quality of nursing homes in the state of Minnesota is available from the MDH including Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing and Boarding Care Home Inspections, and Minnesota Nursing Home Report Card. Another resource from the federal government are Medicare.gov Home Health Compare – Find a home health agency, and Medicare.gov Nursing Home Compare – Find a nursing home.
Report Suspected Elder Abuse Including Negligent Wound Assessment or Care then Call Kenneth LaBore
For a Free Consultation with an experienced elder abuse and neglect to discuss concerns about resident wounds or pressure ulcers call Kenneth LaBore at 612-743-9048.
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