The Pressure We Ignore: Why Stage 4 Bed Sores Are a Symptom of Texas’ Elder Care Crisis
Summary: This investigative article highlights the alarming prevalence of stage 4 pressure ulcers in Texas elder care facilities. It argues that these wounds represent more than clinical failure — they reveal systemic issues like chronic understaffing, lack of accountability, and neglect in long-term care settings.
Key Highlights:
- Stage 4 as a red flag: The article emphasizes that stage 4 bedsores are nearly always preventable, and their appearance in a care setting often signals neglect rather than inevitability.
- Broken oversight: It describes weak inspection enforcement, inconsistent penalty implementation, and regulatory gaps that let substandard facilities continue operating.
- Staffing & training deficits: Persistent shortages and insufficient training are identified as core drivers — caregivers are overextended and unable to follow preventive protocols consistently.
- Family role: The article encourages families to remain vigilant — visiting at varying times, asking about repositioning routines, and carefully documenting concerns.
- Need for systemic reform: It calls for stronger accountability, improved enforcement, and transparent reporting to prevent preventable harm in elder care settings.
Read the full article on Fort Worth Weekly
Keywords:
Glenna Hobbs,
stage 4 bed sores,
elder care crisis,
Texas nursing homes,
preventable wounds,
long-term care oversight