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Date: 14 August, 2023 | Blog | Nursing Home Neglect | Bedsores | By: Sanga Turnbull
Ever wonder why the words 'nursing home' and 'pressure sores' seem to go hand in hand? Well, the answer is a bit complicated but one key element can't be ignored—malnutrition. According to numerous studies, including one published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, malnutrition is alarmingly prevalent in nursing home settings. So, what's the deal? Let's break it down.
The Unique Vulnerability of Nursing Home Residents
Let's face it; nursing home residents are often more vulnerable than the general population. They're usually older, may have preexisting conditions, and are less mobile. All these factors alone can increase the risk of pressure sores. Throw malnutrition into the mix, and it's like adding fuel to the fire.
Why Protein is the MVP
When it comes to wound healing, protein is your MVP (Most Valuable Player). A diet lacking in protein undermines the body's capacity for tissue repair and regeneration. But guess what's commonly deficient in the diets of nursing home residents? Yep, it's protein. This deficiency doesn't just slow down the healing process; it sets the stage for new pressure sores to develop.
Vitamin and Mineral Roulette
It's not just about protein, though. Vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, Zinc, and Vitamin A are the building blocks of skin health. And yet, these are often missing or inadequate in the diet plans in nursing homes. According to a review in the Journal of Advanced Nursing, suboptimal levels of these nutrients are linked to slow wound healing rates.
The Hidden Enemy: Dehydration
Amidst all the talk about protein and vitamins, let's not forget about water. Dehydration is another common issue in nursing homes, exacerbated by factors such as medication side effects or reduced thirst sensation in the elderly. Dehydrated skin is more susceptible to breakdown, making it a hidden but potent enemy in the fight against pressure sores.
The Regulations That Fall Short
Despite Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services guidelines explicitly stating the importance of adequate nutrition in long-term care facilities, compliance is often sketchy. One has to question, why is there a gap between these well-documented guidelines and real-world practices?
Sanga Turnbull is the founder and principal attorney at The Turnbull Law Firm, a Florida law firm helping personal injury victims in Winter Haven and Orlando recover compensation for harm done to them by the negligence of others. The comprehensive personal injury practice at The Turnbull Firm includes all manner of motor vehicle accidents, nursing home neglect and abuse, slip and fall, workplace and industrial accidents, medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and more. Injury victims or their families are invited to call The Turnbull Firm for a no-cost, confidential consultation about any potential claims they may have.
SANGA TURNBULL - BIOGRAPHY › › ›
Sanga Turnbull is the founder and principal attorney at The Turnbull Law Firm, a Florida law firm helping personal injury victims in Winter Haven and Orlando recover compensation for harm done to them by the negligence of others. The comprehensive personal injury practice at The Turnbull Firm includes all manner of motor vehicle accidents, nursing home neglect and abuse, slip and fall, workplace and industrial accidents, medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and more. Injury victims or their families are invited to call The Turnbull Firm for a no-cost, confidential consultation about any potential claims they may have.
SANGA TURNBULL - BIOGRAPHY › › ›
