There are four of

five high profile

cases of elderly

abuse in the United

States every month.

These cases usually

lead to criminal

charges and

shutting down of the

offending nursing

home. But how

many cases go

unreported? How

many elders are

having to suffer in

silence?

Chicago's Attorney General, Lisa Madigan, announced plans to allow video and audio cameras in private nursing home facilities. This decision was taken earlier this month, with the Attorney General believing that cameras are a necessary tool for families to ensure their loved ones are being looked after.

Elderly abuse is a serious problem, not just in Chicago but all over the United States. Here is a look at one type of elderly abuse:

Bed sores are also referred to as pressure sores or ulcers. These injuries commonly develop when a part of the body is subjected to constant pressure. The parts of the body most susceptible to bed sores are the heels, hips, buttocks and ankles. These areas have the most bone surrounding them, which is relevant to the development of bed sores.

Unfortunately, bed sores are very common among seniors living in nursing homes. Most people living in nursing homes do not move around much during the day. They will sit in their wheel chair or lie in bed for a majority of the time. This puts similar kinds of pressure on their body at all hours, and translates to bed sores.

Bed sores can also be a warning flag against elderly abuse. Nursing homes are meant to take care of their residents, which means helping them lead an active lifestyle. Unless an elder cannot walk because of illness or injury, there is no reason for them to be sitting or lying down all day.

Nurses that take proper care of their patients will ensure that bed sores do not develop. They will encourage movement from seniors, taking them on walks every few hours to keep the blood flowing to all parts of the body. Movement and exercise also help seniors remain in a better mood.

Poor nutrition and a lack of water can also contribute to the development of bed sores. If an elder from your family has recently developed bed sores, you may want to investigate the quality of care they are receiving. These sores are common among elders, but they are very much preventable. Seniors who are being cared for properly will not develop bed sores.

Bed sores can be very painful. They are extremely uncomfortable and make the simplest of tasks (sitting or lying down, using the bathroom, taking a shower) very unpleasant for seniors. In addition, bed sores can also put seniors at risk of dying.

If you discover bed sores on an elder who has been staying at a nursing home, speak with the facility immediately. Talk to your loved one and find out whether they are being encouraged to lead an active lifestyle.

Most nursing homes are willing to admit mistakes in care and correct the problem. If the nursing homes does not respond in a positive manner, you may want to consider a lawsuit. Elders are supposed to be enjoying their twilight years in a nursing home. They should not be subjected to neglect and poor care from the very people in charge of their well being.