Attorney Blogs » Nursing Home Abuse

Signs of New York Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:31:55 +0000

Nursing homes play an important role in caring for the elderly. Nursing facilities are given the responsibility of providing safe housing, healthy meals and adequate medical care for seniors. Many of these homes take wonderful care of their residents and provide a level of attention that cannot be matched at home. Sadly, not all homes provide the level of care needed and some facilities employ workers who abuse and [...]

Nursing Homes Structure Ownership in Ways to Avoid Liability for Negligence, Abuse, and Death of Patients

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:30:39 +0000

Late last year private equity firms came under the scrutiny of the United States Senate, according to a story in The New York Times. It seems that private equity firms have been snatching up nursing homes all over the country-structuring complex levels of ownership in an attempt to avoid liability from lawsuits handled by New York personal injury lawyers. Both Democrats and Republicans support oversight and an [...]

Federal Report Finds Nursing Home Abuse Still Prevalent

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:26:13 +0000

According to a recent study by Federal Health officials, only minimal penalties are assessed to organizations that have been repeatedly cited for nursing home abuse of their patients. Congress has established strict standards for nursing homes as far back as 1987, and both Presidents Clinton and Bush, along with the nursing home industry have announced many initiatives to improve nursing home care. However, The Ne [...]

Types of Nursing Home Abuse to Be Aware Of

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:51:43 +0000

For a family, making the decision to place an elderly relative in a nursing home is a very difficult one, as you are placing your loved one’s health and well-being in the hands of others. Also, with the increasing problem of nursing home abuse incidents across the country, it can certainly make the choice even harder. Nursing home malpractice is defined as an intentional act or negligence committed by a nursing h [...]

Federal Report:Florida Program to Protect Elders Undermined

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:00:55 +0000

A new federal report says that a volunteer office that is a watchdog for assisted living facilities and nursing homes in Florida has been corrupted by politics and industry as well as interference from the governor’s office. The U.S. Administration on Aging investigated the firing of the head of the Florida Long-term Care Ombudsman Program. In a 31-page report issued Thursday, September 1, the agency found the v [...]

Former Nursing Home Watchdog Sues Florida Over Firing

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:00:53 +0000

Are Florida’s nursing homes any safer since the state fired its top watchdog over long-term care facilities? Brian Lee resigned in February from his job as the ombudsman for nursing homes and assisted living facilities after he says he was retaliated against for having high standards. He has now filed a civil lawsuit against the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and two industry groups, the Florida Health Care [...]

Study Finds Nursing Homes in U.S. Overuse Drugs on Dementia Patients

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:00:50 +0000

A newly released report from the Health and Human Services (HHS) inspector general finds that anti-psychotic drugs were being over-prescribed unnecessarily at least 300,000 times between January and June 2007, in some cases leading to the death of a patient with dementia. CBS News reports the study found that 88 percent of the time the federal government through Medicare paid for the anti-psychotic drugs used by nu [...]

Government Report Discovers 92 Percent of Nursing Homes Employ Convicts

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:00:47 +0000

A report by ProPublica shows that up to 92 percent of nursing homes employ at least one worker who has had a criminal conviction that may include theft, vandalism, drug-related crimes, and sexual offenses. The news organization quotes a report released March 3 by the federal Department of Health and Human Services. To compile the report, the Office of the Inspector General requested information from a random samp [...]

Federal Funding to Expand Nursing Home Background Checks

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:00:44 +0000

According to the federal Department of Health and Human Services, new resources are available to conduct criminal background checks on those job seekers who hope to work in the nursing home industry. On Wednesday, October 6, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) made more than $13 million available to six states, including Florida, to help identify workers with a history of abuse to prevent them [...]

Nursing Home Closures Rare in Florida

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:00:41 +0000

The recent closure of a Jacksonville nursing home highlights the fact that revoking a nursing home license is a rare occurrence in the state, according to research done by the Florida Times Union. Glenwood Nursing Center was the second nursing home in the state to have its license revoked in the past decade after years of poor reviews for the care it delivered, quality of life, and dignity. 106 residents called Gl [...]

Florida Supreme Court Looks At Nursing Home Arbitration

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:00:39 +0000

On Tuesday, June 8, the Florida Supreme Court heard Oral Arguments in a nursing home arbitration case, according to a Health News Florida report. The nursing home industry increasingly prefers arbitration instead of lawsuits to settle difference. Skilled Florida nursing home abuse lawyers know that residents or their power-of-attorney are presented with the agreements upon admission. They mandate settling differe [...]

Nursing Home Report Card – F

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:00:38 +0000

94 Percent of Nursing Homes Have Problems. That is the concensus of a recent report from the Department of Health and Human Services. 94 percent of for-profit nursing homes were cited for deficiencies of care last year. Of that number about 17 percent had deficiencies that could cause actual harm or “Immediate jeopardy” to patients. About two-thirds of nursing homes are for-profit. Problems cited include i [...]

Nursing Home Forced Arbitration

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:00:35 +0000

The nursing home industry has launched a campaign designed to fight a Senate vote on consumer protections for those living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act, sponsored by Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL) and Herbert Kohl (D-WI) would make pre-dispute binding mandatory arbitration provisions that a person signs in a nursing home contract unenforceable. Buried in t [...]

Tips for Choosing a Nursing Home

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:31:00 +0000

Elderly people deserve to live without fear of abuse or neglect from unscrupulous caregivers. Unfortunately, not everyone who works in a nursing home has respect for senior citizens. Some people take nursing home jobs specifically for access to vulnerable residents. They take advantage of this vulnerability by neglecting their duties, physically abusing residents, or tricking reside [...]

What are the Most Common Signs of Nursing Home Emotional Abuse in Arizona?

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:30:57 +0000

When it comes to nursing home abuse and neglect in Arizona, emotional abuse is tougher to spot than physical abuse. Emotional abuse is unfortunately prevalent in Arizona nursing homes. The symptoms are a lot more subtle than physical abuse. But the damage caused by emotional abuse is as serious as the injuries caused by physical abuse. Nursing home facilities have an obligation and [...]

Finding the Right Nursing Home for Your Loved One

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:30:55 +0000

There are more than 135 nursing home facilities in Arizona. Choosing the right care facility for your loved one can be a complicated and stressful process. There are a number of factors to consider when looking for an Arizona nursing home: 1) Does the facility provide the level of care that your family member requires for a safe and happy lifestyle? 2) Is the care facility within yo [...]

Signs of Arizona Nursing Home Abuse

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:30:37 +0000

It is common for elderly victims of Arizona nursing home abuse to not talk about what they are going through. Abuse victims often become withdrawn or embarrassed and keep their problems hidden. There are a number of potential red flags that family members can keep an eye out for while visiting their loved ones in nursing homes or care facilities. No amount of care and attention can [...]

How to Choose the Right Arizona Nursing Home for Your Loved One

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:30:08 +0000

Choosing the right nursing home for a family member can be a difficult and stressful process. The choice usually has to be made in a short period of time because of a medical issue or financial concern. This decision making process should not, however, be rushed. Taking your time and choosing the right facility is important for the health and emotional well-being of your loved one. [...]

Detecting Nursing Home Financial Abuse in Arizona

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:30:05 +0000

Most forms of Arizona nursing home abuse are underreported. One type of abuse that tends to be under the radar is financial abuse. Financial abuse may come in the form of forged checks, false charities, and other forms of financial exploitation. As the family member of someone in a nursing care facility, it is in your best interest to keep abreast of the financial status of your lov [...]

Bedsores May Be a Sign of Abuse at Nursing Homes, According to Scottsdale Injury Attorney

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:30:04 +0000

One sign of abuse in a nursing home is a bedsore or multiple bedsores. While sores can be common, if treated properly, they don’t become an issue. However, for someone who is not being properly cared for, bedsores are allowed to occur, grow, and multiply. If you have a loved one that lives in a Scottsdale nursing home and is suffering from bedsores, and you’d like to know wheth [...]

Denying Arizona Nursing Home Residents Proper Medication

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:30:03 +0000

Patients who live in nursing homes in Arizona are in a very vulnerable position. They are completely dependent on their caregivers for things like food and medicine. While most nursing home residents are properly cared for, unfortunately there are some cases where the caregiver denies the patient proper treatment in the form of elder abuse in Arizona. For example, some caregivers [...]

Common Signs of Elder Abuse in Arizona

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:30:02 +0000

Bedsores (also known as decubitus ulcers) are one of the most common signs of nursing home neglect. In the worst cases, they may cover an elderly person’s body. Bedridden seniors and shut-ins can end up with these sores due to neglect. This affliction is usually preventable, and this type of injury is frequently a sign of nursing home abuse. Other elder abuse cases involve elder [...]

What Can I Do if I Suspect Elder Abuse?

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:30:00 +0000

Clearly, not every single red flag or sign of nursing home abuse listed above is going to necessarily mean that there is neglect and abuse going on. That’s why it’s so important to try and do some investigative work to try and uncover the causes of the signs. This is a vital step in not only protecting your loved one, but also in ensuring that no other individual is abused or ne [...]

Common Nursing Home Injuries: What You Need to Know About Elder Care

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:52:05 +0000

If you’re thinking about choosing a nursing home for an aging friend or family member, education is your best tool against abuse. Emotions run high regarding the care of a loved one. News reports about the benefits and concerns of nursing home environments often conflict Learn which injuries are most common and when claims of negligence may apply. These matters are just as important as a facility’s staf [...]

Elder Abuse: When Should You Report It?

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:52:04 +0000

If you suspect that a friend or loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse, what should you do about it? Should you call the police? Talk to the staff? Consult a nursing home abuse lawyer? Any or all of these actions may be the answer. However, elderly residents do experience an increased incidence of bodily injury and misplacement of property simply due to their age or the state of their health.Get tips o [...]

Signs of Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse

admin — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 01:00:10 +0000

The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is an important one and should be taken very seriously. While many nursing home facilities provide excellent care to their residents, there are facilities that consistently generate poor reviews, violate safety standards and provide sub-par care to the elderly. Recognizing the common signs of elderly abuse in Pennsylvania can help ensure that your loved one is saf [...]

Baby Boomers Could Benefit From Long Term Care Program

admin — Wed, 05 May 2010 19:20:13 +0000

The US government is attempting to prepare for an onslaught of aging baby boomers by passing a new long term care program that assists individuals with severe disabilities. Nytimes.com reports that more and more Americans are going to be earning the title of “Older Americans” as the significant number of baby boomers age. Congress wants to help by establishing a program in the National Health Care Bill that wil [...]

PA Nursing Home Cited for Insufficient Safeguards

admin — Wed, 05 May 2010 19:20:11 +0000

A nursing home in Oakmont has been punished by the state and given a provisional license after an 89-year-old woman committed suicide by jumping out her third-story window, reports the post-gazette website. Her son is left full of anguish as to what exactly happened to his mother who had been admitted to the facility in July with heart problems, glaucoma, dementia, and depression. State officials downgraded the Pre [...]

Pittsburgh Nursing Home Abuse of Alzheimers Patient Results in Conviction of Nurse

admin — Wed, 05 May 2010 19:20:08 +0000

Mary Ann Bower, a former nurse in a Pittsburgh-area nursing home was convicted of abusing a 94-year-old patient with Alzheimer’s disease. She will have to pay a fine of $300 and she may lose her nursing certificate in this personal injury lawsuit. According to an article from Wfmj.com, Bower was convicted after employees at the Kane Regional Center in Glen Hazel, Pa said that she flicked water in the face of The [...]

Neglect and Abuse at Assisted Living/Personal Care Facility

admin — Wed, 05 May 2010 19:20:04 +0000

State closes Willow Grove personal-care home after 2 deaths The state closed Willow Crest Manor, a personal-care home in Willow Grove PA, after two residents died there. According to this article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, it was understaffed, and medication was dispensed by unlicensed employees. The owner is now fighting to get his license back. The state agency found that medicines given to residents weren't [...]