Nursing Home Abuse

If you have a loved one in a nursing home, you may have had concerns about the quality of care that they are receiving. The fact is, that with a rapidly aging population mostly led by the baby boomer generation, it is increasingly common for families to have to cope with an aging parent or loved one in a nursing home facility. When that happens, their care is usually a concern.

There are some very specific signs that we suggest you monitor so that you can ensure that your loved one is being properly cared for.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse:

• Nursing home lack of food and water
• Nursing Home Inadequate Physical Hygiene
• Nursing Home Inadequate Supervision
• Nursing Home Withholding Medication/Intentionally Overmedicating
• Nursing Home Abuse: Physical Neglect
• Nursing Home Failure to Prevent Falls

If you observe any of these signs, we recommend that you contact your local ombudsman. The ombudsman is required to visit assigned nursing homes on a regular basis. He or she is a qualified advocate and resource that is able to investigate complaints, serve as a patient advocate and if necessary, mediate disputes.

The National Long Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center has a comprehensive online listing of ombudsman throughout the country. To find the ombudsman for you area of Pennsylvania, you can click here.

Nursing homes are often a good solution to helping aging loved ones who may not be able to take proper care of themselves due to various limitations or disabilities. In such instances, they may require residential assistance. The problem is that oftentimes these facilities are understaffed and that can be a factor in causing patient neglect and/or abuse.

Nursing Home Neglect does not happen in every establishment. Sadly, though, it does happen and sometimes when you least expect it. Nursing homes can be great places for seniors retired and living on a fixed income. But the grim truth is that sometimes elderly patients in these facilities are victimized.

If you suspect that you or someone you love has been or may currently be a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, we suggest that you contact the law offices of O’Connor Law for a free legal consultation.

It is the responsibility of the nursing home management to provide care for your loved one. Failure to implement proper care policies and regulations is simply not acceptable. The 1987 Nursing home Reform Act guarantees certain rights and freedoms to nursing home patients.

At O’Connor Law we are ready to assist you, if necessary, in protecting the rights of your loved one. You can call or email us for a free consultation. Our toll free number is (800) 518-4LAW. You can also fill out a contact form on our website and someone will get back to you to answer your questions and address your concerns.

For more information on elder law you can contact the Dept. of Heath at 1-800-254-5164.

You can also encourage change by joining the NCCNHR (National Citizen’s Coalition for Nursing Home Reform). For more information about becoming a member call 202-332-2276 or visit their website at: http://www.nccnhr.org