Placing a family member in a nursing home can be a difficult decision—you’re relying on caregivers for their safety, health, and dignity. And if this trust is breached by mistreatment or neglect, it can be difficult to know the next steps to take.
If you decide to pursue a nursing home abuse case, it’s essential to collect proper evidence and records. Today, we’re taking a closer look at one common piece of evidence that you should know about: the Braden Scale.
What Is the Braden Scale?
The Braden Scale originated in 1987 and is a widely-used clinical tool designed to assess a patient’s risk of developing pressure ulcers, aka bedsores. The scale evaluates six key factors that can make an individual more or less likely to develop sores:
- Sensory Perception assesses the patient’s ability to feel discomfort or pain, which is critical for recognizing pressure or irritation that may lead to sores.
- Moisture evaluates the level of skin exposure to moisture, such as sweat, urine, or wound drainage, which can make the skin more vulnerable.
- Activity measures the patient’s level of physical activity, as limited movement can increase the risk of prolonged pressure on certain areas.
- Mobility examines the patient’s capability to change body position independently, which helps alleviate pressure on the skin.
- Nutrition considers the patient’s diet and whether it is sufficient to maintain healthy skin and repair tissue.
- Friction and Shear evaluate the risk of the skin being damaged by friction or sliding forces, which can contribute to tissue breakdown.
Each of these factors is scored on a scale of 1 to 4, with lower numbers indicating poorer health and higher risk. At the end of the assessment, the total scores are added up to determine the patient’s risk level, with scores of 10–12 being classified as high risk and scores less than 9 being classified as severe risk.
The Braden Scale is a particularly valuable and important resource in nursing homes because patients have limited mobility and are more likely to develop bedsores. When the scale is used properly and consistently, healthcare providers and nursing home staff can implement preventive measures to protect patients and improve their quality of care.
What Role Can the Braden Scale Play in My Nursing Home Abuse Case?
When nursing homes don’t take the proper measures to protect residents from pressure ulcers (especially those who are at high risk), families can pursue a nursing home abuse case. In these situations, having indisputable evidence is crucial in order to receive proper compensation and ensure the nursing home is held responsible.
Any records that include evaluations using the Braden Scale can act as valuable concrete evidence that a resident required additional attention to prevent these injuries and that the nursing home failed to provide all of the necessary care. This proof can help strengthen your case and make sure you and your loved ones are fully and fairly compensated.
What Else Do I Need for My Nursing Home Abuse Case?
These additional tips will help you navigate your case seamlessly and make a high-intensity situation more manageable.
Gather Evidence
Physical evidence like the Braden Scale is key to winning your case, so be sure to collect as much detailed information as possible. This can include other medical records, video footage, witness accounts, pictures, etc. Try to document everything, even if it seems small—the more information you have, the easier it is to build a strong, comprehensive case.
Hire a Trustworthy Lawyer
Nursing home abuse cases can be stressful and emotionally painful, so it’s important to have the proper support. The experienced personal injury lawyers at PMP can guide you through the more technical details of the case, helping you explore options, gather evidence, and secure fair compensation so you can focus on healing.
Take Care of Yourself
In addition to seeking justice for your family members, it’s important to prioritize self-care and recovery. Make sure to seek support from friends and family, as well as professional resources if needed. Taking care of yourself will benefit your mental and emotional well-being and put you in a stronger position to fight for justice for your loved one.
Stand Up for Your Loved Ones with PMP
It’s simple: Nursing home abuse is completely unacceptable. By working together, we can help fight back against these deeply saddening situations and help protect the people we care about most.
If you or someone you love has been a victim of any form of nursing abuse, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team here at PMP has the personalized experience, skills, and resources you need to stand up for your family. Schedule your free consultation to talk through your case and learn about your options.