Resident let down by care workers leading to the development of pressure sores

Background

Irvings Law acted for the family of an elderly lady called Judy who suffered home care, and care home neglect, due to the substandard care provided by various services both in her own home and then whilst resident at a care home.

Our client was initially provided with home care services, alongside care by District Nursing services. The responsibility of the first was commissioned by the local authority.  Our client had declining mobility and she was risk assessed as needing support. She was also assessed as her skin integrity needed to be monitored closely.

Unfortunately, no pressure area risk assessment was carried out, her health deteriorated and she was let down by the care workers , the district nurses who failed to assess her and provide sufficient and effective personal care.

As a result, her graded pressure sores deteriorated and she was transferred to a care home. She suffered with significant pressure sores to various parts of her body causing her incredible pain and distress over the months after her admission up until her death.

Representation

Irvings Law worked with the family in order to raise formal queries with several bodies involved namely the care company providing care at home, the care home itself, the NHS Trust on behalf of district nursing and the local authority.

It was clear that Judy was let down by the care at home company, the district nurses who attended and the local authority who failed to produce a suitable care and support plan to meet Judy’s requirements and failed to review her care package and  evaluate whether it continued to meet her needs as her health deteriorated.

As we know injuries to the elderly tend to have a disproportionate effect. Even minor injuries in an elderly person can devastate people’s lives.

Resolution

The development of pressure sores could have been avoided if the care at home company had provided appropriate care and management. The situation would not have then deteriorated if the district nurses had been proactive in seeking advice, preparing adequate care plans and finally the local authority could have further prevented deterioration by ensuring there was a suitable care package and that Judy’s needs were being met.

Irvings Law issued Court proceedings against three Defendants, all of whom settled the case brought on behalf of Judy’s Estate.

This case highlights that the elderly can often be let down by a combination of care providers and it highlights the failings in all of those providers to meet the standards that they ought to maintain when providing care.

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Irvings Law are specialists in handling claims involving care home neglect and injury and is committed to fighting neglect in care homes and securing financial compensation for victims of care home neglect.

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