Quick answers
These answers are written for families who need a plain first explanation. They are general information only, not legal advice on any individual case.
Can families claim for pressure sores in a care home?
A claim may be possible if a resident developed or suffered worsening pressure damage because the care home failed to assess risk, inspect skin, reposition, use suitable equipment, manage moisture or escalate concerns.
Why care home pressure sores raise serious questions
Residents may be frail, immobile, cognitively impaired, undernourished or unable to report pain. Those factors can make prevention, monitoring and documentation especially important.
What care should be considered?
A proper plan may include pressure ulcer risk assessment, skin checks, repositioning support, pressure-relieving mattresses or cushions, continence care, nutrition and hydration support, tissue viability referral and medical review when skin damage appears.
When deterioration should trigger action
New redness, discolouration, blistering, broken skin, infection, pain, odour or a worsening wound should usually prompt review. Risk should also be reconsidered after illness, reduced mobility, weight loss, admission from hospital or a fall.
Records families can ask about
Important records may include the care plan, body maps, repositioning charts, wound charts, photographs, risk assessments, mattress records, district nursing notes, GP notes, tissue viability records and safeguarding or incident documents.
How these cases are assessed
Scott and his team consider whether pressure damage was foreseeable, whether prevention steps were reasonable, whether records support the care said to have been provided, and whether the injury caused avoidable pain, infection, treatment or decline.
Sources used
This page is informed by NICE pressure ulcer guidance and NHS public information on pressure sores. See NICE: Pressure ulcers quality standard and NHS: Pressure ulcers.