Signs of elder abuse or neglect

Emotional abuse may include insults, humiliation, threats, and attempts to frighten the resident; it can also be a crime of omission, as when the resident is ignored, disregarded, and/or isolated against his or her will. Neglect can consist of withholding food, water, and/or medication as well as failure to change bedding or take care of […]

Should we be worried about retaliation if we choose to question the care our loved one is receiving?

[youtube www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue6VbCDHcsg?feature=player_embedded&w=320&h=180] “One of the biggest questions I receive from a prospective client is what would happen if their loved one is there [at a facility] and they come to see a lawyer?  Obviously they are very concerned about the possibility of retaliation and I tried to explain to them that that really is not the case. […]

Being assigned to a post-acute facility requires as much oversight as any medical admission

For many, a short-term admission to a post-acute care facility to recover from an illness or provide a break to a caregiver sounds like a reasonable proposition.   After all, what could go wrong during a short-term admission of just a few days or weeks? Despite the short timeframe, without the facility’s understanding of patient needs, […]

Researching a nursing home ahead of time can prevent heartache later

It is vital for your family member that you spend a considerable amount of time researching the nursing home before you make a final decision.  Do not judge the nursing home solely on the basis of a guided tour or the nice furniture or attractive physical features of the facility. Visit with residents You should […]

What are some warning signs of elder care abuse?

Physical abuse can be as extreme as assault and battery or rape – or may consist of forced restraint, either by mechanical or chemical means (such as administration of psycho-pharmaceutical drugs not authorized by a doctor). Emotional abuse may include insults, humiliation, threats, and attempts to frighten the resident; it can also be a crime […]

Medical Issues in Nursing Homes

Nursing home patients may find themselves subject to dozens of adverse conditions through no fault of their own:  bed injuries, pressure ulcers, falls, fractures, malnutrition and dehydration are some of the more prominent injuries. BED INJURIES Between January 1, 1985 and January 1, 2010, the FDA received 828 incidents of patients caught, trapped, entangled, or strangled […]

Recent statistics reveal some disturbing trends in nursing home care

91% of nursing homes lack adequate staff to properly care for patients 36% of nursing homes have been cited for violation of elder abuse laws In 2010, there were 5,961,568 elderly abuse cases reported in the U.S.  Not all of these are attributed to nursing homes, but still a staggering number Even with continued attention […]