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When you decide to place your elderly loved one in the care of a nursing home, you trust that the facility’s staff will care for them and treat them with respect. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. According to the National Research Council’s report on elder mistreatment, 2.5 million people in nursing homes and …

Sepsis is a serious medical condition that can be caused by any type of bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Sepsis is triggered by the body’s response to an infection. When your body is fighting an infection, it normally releases chemicals into the bloodstream. Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to these chemicals is out of …

Patients in nursing homes are often entirely dependent on care staff to maintain their health and provide for their needs, even simple needs like drinking enough water. One common result of the failure to receive proper care in a nursing home is dehydration, and severe dehydration can lead to death. The National Center on Elder …

An unclean premise does not only create a problem with appearance but also leads to poor hygiene. Nursing homes have an obligation to meet their residents’ basic needs and maintain sanitary premises for their safety. According to Aging Health, infections in nursing homes can lead to elderly residents experiencing medical complications, sometimes so severe that …

We all want the best for our loved ones, so when we choose a nursing home, we want to know that our parent, spouse, or other family members will receive the highest degree of care. There are about 15,600 licensed nursing homes in the United States, so how can you be sure you have selected …

When the time comes for your loved ones to receive a higher level of care than what you can provide, a skilled nursing facility could become their second home. Also known as a nursing home, this type of facility allows a resident to enjoy various activities that enrich their quality of life while offering round-the-clock …

Elderly residents of nursing homes, especially those who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, can become confused from time to time. They may forget where they are in the moment and begin to leave the premises, looking for familiar surroundings. They may become disoriented and forget their original reason for leaving their room, such as …

Almost 90 percent of older adults take at least one prescription drug, nearly 80 percent take at least two, and over one-third regularly take five or more. These numbers do not include supplements and over-the-counter drugs, which they may take as needed with their prescribed medications. With an average nursing home maximum occupancy of 107 …

Wandering and elopement are common in nursing home settings—mostly among residents with cognitive disorders. However, if your loved one attempted to escape their nursing home, it might indicate a deeper issue with how the nursing home treats its residents. When a nursing home resident wanders around the facility, they could run into hazards, and the …

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that trauma victims sometimes suffer. PTSD in nursing homes has become more prevalent as more trauma survivors reach the age of requiring long-term care. Symptoms of PTSD, according to the Mayo Clinic, include: Anxiety Avoidance Flashbacks to the traumatic event Nightmares Aggressive or self-destructive behavior Suicidal …

Medication errors are frequent in nursing home settings. A study published in the journal Clinical Management of the Older Adult reports that as many as 16 to 31 percent of nursing home residents experience medication errors. The most common medication error in nursing homes is incorrect dosage, when residents receive less medication than prescribed, more …

We all like to think that when we leave our loved ones in the care of trained staff at a nursing home, they will be well provided for. Unfortunately, elder abuse is a growing problem in the 15,000+ nursing homes operating throughout the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that around one in …

Nursing home owners like to believe they do everything they possibly can to prevent residents from suffering a fall that could lead to broken bones and a significant reduction in quality of life. Sometimes, fall injuries in nursing homes are preventable, as negligence from the staff or unsafe conditions in the facility contributes to the …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of Americans live in nursing homes. Residents in these populations are at a higher risk of infection due to their age and health. Plus, the routine use of antibiotics causes infections in nursing homes to become resistant to treatment. The nursing homes owe patients …

Nursing home residents deserve to feel safe and well cared for. In some cases, however, a nursing home’s staff may take advantage of a resident’s reduced physical or mental capabilities and either cause or threaten to cause them harm. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that elder abuse is a serious …

According to the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, the Nursing Home Reform Act entitles the residents of nursing homes to safe environments. Nursing home residents are also entitled to the care and treatment they need to improve or maintain both their physical as well as their mental wellbeing. A failure to provide them …

When caring for elderly residents in a nursing home facility, guarding against potential falls is a constant concern of staff and facility owners. Falls can lead to a number of issues, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal injuries in nursing homes. Every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more …

Neglect of basic needs in nursing homes is illegal. Your loved one has guaranteed rights, including proper access to food, water, shelter, medical care, and hygiene. Without access to these essential items, older adults can suffer severe injuries or death. If you believe that your loved one is suffering from basic needs neglect, contact an …

Medical neglect in nursing homes occurs when medical providers and staff members breach the standard of care owed to residents. These standards vary from state-to-state. In all states, however, your loved one has a right to proper medical attention from a licensed medical provider. Neglecting medical needs can result in an injury or death. If …

Mental abuse, also known as psychological or emotional abuse, is one of the most common forms of abuse inflicted upon the elderly in nursing homes. Unlike physical abuse which leaves physical evidence on the victim, mental abuse is difficult to track and often goes unchecked. The consequences of mental abuse in nursing homes can be …