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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 …

If you discover that your elderly loved one suffered any kind of injury or harm as a result of elder abuse in their nursing home, you may feel angry, frustrated, and overwhelmed. You may want to seek justice on behalf of your elderly loved one and receive compensation for their resulting injuries and losses. In …

Neglect is a form of elder abuse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), neglect is the failure to meet an older adult’s essential needs, including nutrients, hygiene, and medical care. Neglect in nursing homes may be all too common. A study cited by the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), found …

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening medical condition that develops as a reaction to an infection somewhere in the body. According to MedlinePlus, when the body’s immune system causes too much inflammation, delicate tissue and organs can become damaged. In the worst instance, a case of sepsis rises to the level of septic shock, when inflammation …

According to the National Council on Aging, sexual abuse in nursing homes consists of fondling, touching, penetrating, or engaging in other forms of sexual activity with a senior who is unable to understand and unwilling to consent. In most sexual abuse cases, the elderly person is physically forced, threatened, and made to feel afraid. Sometimes, …

Healthcare fraud remains one of the most prevalent types of insurance fraud in the U.S. today, and two programs that perpetrators often target are Medicare and Medicaid. In nursing homes, residents are particularly vulnerable to financial abuse because of their cognitive issues, physical condition, and other health concerns. They rely on administrators and staff members …