Nursing Home Abuse

According to MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine, one of the first signs of weight loss in a nursing home resident includes the sudden loss of 10 pounds or 5% of the resident’s normal body weight. Additional symptoms of weight loss that can indicate neglect or health issues per HealthLine are: Loss of hair Mood changes …

If a nursing home does not promptly receive a patient’s call, then yes, it can be considered nursing home neglect. The federal Nursing Home Reform Act (NHRA) of 1987 explains the guidelines expected to govern the quality and level of care that nursing home residents receive. The legislation also details what services that residents of …

When PTSD is left untreated in nursing homes, the effects on a patient can be devastating. Failure to recognize and treat PTSD can lead to suicidal thoughts, self-harm, depression, and other potentially harmful symptoms. Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is an extremely serious mental and emotional disorder that requires specific treatment measures. Nursing home staff …

A variety of factors can cause choking in nursing home settings. These include but are not limited to: Consuming portions of food that are too large or difficult to chew Medical conditions that affect the ability to eat Medication side effects that affect motor control, alertness, or appetite Dentures or other oral fixtures Lack of …

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, many types of germs cause skin infections in nursing home residents and the general public. Exposure to bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can all cause skin infections. For the most part, human immune systems can fight off these germs without any severe consequences. If you notice that …

A family member can file a grievance on behalf of a loved one who resides in a nursing home, and the facility must work quickly to solve any issues. The resident can file the grievance themselves, but if they cannot do so because of medical or cognitive impairment, a family member or representative can submit …

Elder abuse is when someone inflicts harm on an older person with or without intent. Someone close to the senior, such as a family member or caregiver, can be the one to carry out the mistreatment. It also can be someone outside the family, such as a staff member at a residential senior care facility. …

Viruses and bacteria are the leading causes of respiratory infections in nursing home residents. Infections of the lower respiratory tract often are of bacterial etiology, although viruses also account for some of the syndromes. Sometimes, pneumonia results from other illnesses, such as flu, measles, and whooping cough (pertussis). Fungi may also trigger upper and lower …

The warning signs of elder sexual abuse include bruising around the breasts or genitals, unexplained anal or vaginal bleeding, venereal disease or genital infections, and bloodied clothing or bedding, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Pay attention to sudden changes in their demeanor, especially if they appear fearful or withdrawn whenever a particular …

Aging adults—those who are 65 and above—have a higher risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs) because they are more prone to mobility and bladder issues than younger people. For instance, their weaker bladder tissue could make it harder for them to hold or relieve themselves. When the urine stays in the bladder for a …

Everyday activities may seem simple enough, but for a nursing home resident with mobility issues or cognitive impairment, it can mean the difference between going about their day and suffering a severe injury. A failure to provide help with everyday activities may be considered nursing home neglect when it proves avoidable and causes a resident …

Federal law stipulates that “Outdated, mislabeled, or otherwise unusable drugs must not be available for patient use,” according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). You can sue for the administration of expired prescriptions in nursing homes if you became injured as a result of this negligence. Nearly all nursing homes abide by …

The symptoms of malnourishment include weight loss, sunken eyes, pale skin, and hair loss. Surprisingly, malnourishment is a growing problem in nursing homes as seniors either do not get enough food to eat or the food they receive is not rich in nutrients, leading to serious health problems if left untreated. Malnourishment is a condition …

As defined by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), elder abuse describes the intentional harming of an adult age 60 or older, be it through physical, psychological, or neglectful acts. Types of Elder Abuse A myriad of behaviors can constitute elder abuse, with the National Institute on Aging (NIA) listing the most common types: Physical …

The effects of elder abuse can include threats to the elder’s health, relationships, psychological well-being, community, and overall quality of life. If you are watching for signs of abuse while you have a loved one in a nursing home, you can respond to said abuse by taking legal action with the help of local authorities …

Nursing home residents deserve respect and access to a quality of life that upholds their many years of life. That said, some nursing home residents are vulnerable not only to health complications but to mistreatment. In some cases, mistreatment or neglect in a nursing home can result in a resident’s wrongful death. Some of the …

Yes, you can sue for emotional abuse. Attorneys across the United States recognize emotional abuse as a cause of action, allowing families of those victims of emotional abuse in nursing homes to sue in response to their loved ones’ mistreatment. That said, it must be proved that the older adult in question endured emotional abuse …

Not providing water with meals is considered nursing home neglect. According to the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, neglect is when nursing home staff fails to provide residents with the goods and services they need—like water. Neglect may or may not be intentional. Generally, to prove that the nursing home was negligent, you …

Not assisting with food portioning is considered nursing home neglect. Depending on your state, feeding assistance might be a legal requirement of nursing homes, according to a list of state regulations compiled by the University of Minnesota. However, many nursing homes operate while severely understaffed, meaning that staff members often have more tasks and residents …

If your loved one lives in a nursing home, you may be wondering how to tell if they are receiving quality care. One sign that standards of care may be lacking is the presence of decubitus ulcers. What Is a Decubitus Ulcer? Decubitus ulcers are more commonly known as bedsores, and are sometimes referred to …