Gerald’s mother was recovering from a stroke and no longer able to get out of bed on her own. After researching several options, he chose a nursing home near Macon that promised full-time care and skilled nursing support. At first, things seemed fine. But during a weekend visit, Gerald noticed something was wrong. His mom seemed confused and unusually quiet. When he adjusted her blanket, he was hit with the smell of infection — and the sight of a large, open wound on her lower back.
She had developed a deep, infected bedsore.
She hadn’t been repositioned in days. No one had treated the wound. And no one had called him. He was furious, and rightly so. Nobody wants to believe that the place they pay to care for their loved one would allow such a thing to happen. The truth is – it does happen. Even the best facility can have staff that does not do their job.
Bedsores Aren’t “Just Part of Aging” — They’re a Warning Sign of Neglect
Pressure sores (also called bedsores or pressure ulcers) don’t happen overnight. They form when an immobile person isn’t moved regularly, left sitting or lying in the same position for too long. Without proper care, blood flow is restricted, tissue dies, and wounds begin to open and deepen. It’s more than just being stationary for a few hours.
To understand this fully, think back to when you had an illness and were in bed for several days. You did not likely develop any bed sores. This is because you turned, you shifted and because it takes a good bit of neglect for something like this to happen. It isn’t a daily oversight and it isn’t an “accident”. It is neglect and it is abuse.
In many cases, bedsores lead to serious infections like cellulitis, sepsis, or gangrene — and can even result in amputations or death. These are not rare complications. In fact, thousands of elderly nursing home residents die each year from conditions that begin with untreated bedsores.
And here’s the truth: bedsores are 100% preventable with proper care.
The Real Problem: Neglect Is Abuse
When a nursing home fails to:
Reposition residents regularly
Maintain clean bedding and clothing
Monitor wounds and skin breakdown
Provide adequate nutrition and hydration
…they’re not just falling behind on care. They are neglecting their residents.
And under Georgia law, that is elder abuse.
No one should suffer this kind of preventable harm simply because they cannot speak up for themselves or move on their own. Families trust these facilities to care for the people they love most — not to leave them alone in pain.
What Can You Do?
If your loved one is in a Georgia nursing home and you suspect neglect:
Document everything. Take photos, write down symptoms, record dates and names.
Speak to management and show them your loved ones injuries. Ask direct questions about repositioning schedules, wound care protocols, and medication. Ask about the staff who is caring for your loved one. Let them know that you are concerned and you want changes made immediately.
Report your concerns to the Georgia Long-Term Care Ombudsman or Adult Protective Services.
Most importantly, don’t wait. Early intervention can prevent serious injury — or even save a life.
Can You Take Legal Action?
Yes. If your loved one has been injured or passed away due to pressure sores or other signs of neglect, Georgia law allows you to pursue a civil claim. These cases can lead to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and — in tragic situations — wrongful death.
But more than that, legal action sends a message: this kind of care is unacceptable.
How We Help Families Like Yours
At our firm, we’ve helped Georgia families stand up to negligent nursing homes. We work with medical professionals, investigate care records, and help uncover the truth when others try to hide it. And when needed, we take that fight to court.
Because no one — not your parent, your spouse, or your grandparent, or other loved one — should be left to suffer in silence.
Let’s Talk
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. You don’t need proof to start asking questions — just concern, instinct, and the courage to speak up.
📞 Contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll listen, help you uncover the truth, and protect the person you love most.
