When you helped your loved one transition into assisted living care, you may have been worried about quality care. If you’re like most adult children of aging parents in New Mexico, you no doubt researched numerous facilities in your area and perhaps made multiple in-person visits as well.
The day-to-day care of your loved one when you’re not around to observe what’s going on is a key factor to his or her well-being. Nursing home care providers know how to keep your parent as safe and well as possible. Problems, such as bed sores, often arise, however, when care negligence occurs. This is why it’s important to make impromptu visits and also to know where to seek support if something sparks your concern.
Ways To Prevent Bed Sores
Pressure ulcers can be painful and can also lead to serious infection. If your loved one has decreased mobility, he or she may be at risk for this type of injury. The nursing team caring for your parent knows this and knows how to help prevent bed sores.
The most important factor to avoiding bed sores is to frequently help a bed-ridden patient change position. Standard protocol suggests that turning a patient every two hours is best. The average nursing home care provider also knows that using pillows to prop your loved one’s feet, hips, knees and other body parts is also useful in helping to avoid pressure ulcers.
Nutrition Plays A Key Role
When you were researching nursing homes with your family member, you likely paid close attention to the food service in each residence. Do you know, however, that nutrition is significant in prevention of pressure ulcers as well?
Lack of proper nutrition can cause skin breakdowns that make your loved one more vulnerable toward bed sores. It’s a good idea to regularly check to make sure your parent is receiving sufficient amounts of lean proteins and nutrient-rich foods.
If Bed Sores Or Other Issues Cause Concern
If a New Mexico nursing home patient suffers a bed sore that becomes infected or other bodily injury, it is right to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident. You have a right to ask questions and receive satisfactory explanations. If you suspect negligence or substandard care, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out for additional support to address the problem.
