Inadequate staffing is a chronic problem in healthcare institutions that endangers patient welfare. Staff shortages in nursing homes are inextricably linked to higher reports of elder neglect and abuse. A recent report published in the New York Times reinforces concerns that staffing levels in Medicare-assisted living facilities are alarmingly inadequate. The report analyzed payroll records of nursing home aides, nurses …
5 Most Common Types of Financial Elder Abuse
Financial exploitation is the most common form of elder abuse, next to neglect and emotional abuse. About 12 percent of the crimes against older Americans involves financial abuse – unauthorized check cashing, coercing the elder to part with property, or diverting guardianship. Each year, senior citizens are swindled out of some $36.5 billion dollars by trusted individuals and caregivers, according …
Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing homes are a place where the elderly and seniors should feel safe. Unfortunately, reports of abuse to the residents of nursing homes is not uncommon. According to an estimate by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than 16,000 nursing homes operating in the United States, and almost two million people aged 65 or older …
Signs of Abuse in Nursing Homes
Nursing home abuse can take many forms such as: inflicting injury intentionally, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, care/service deprivation or punishment that results in physical harm, pain or mental anguish. Whether you’re a family member, friend or professional caretaker, recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse can help you to take timely action. The warning signs of nursing home abuse include: Suspicious …
How to Report Abuse in Nursing Homes?
The law requires doctors, social workers, nurses, and other health care professionals to report the signs of nursing home abuse. In some states, all citizens, regardless of vocation can report the suspected nursing home abuse. It should be reported in specific details as soon as possible. Nursing home abuse can be reported in a number of different ways depending on …
Are There Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?
Is your loved one a resident at a New York or New Jersey nursing home? Make sure that you pay attention the facility’s treatment of your relative, as some centers experience issues with items like bedsores, malnutrition, abuse and drug dispersal errors. If you ever want to know about a nursing home’s reputation, there is a program titled Nursing Home …
Do Nursing Homes Prescribe Risky Antipsychotic Medications?
Do you have a loved one who is currently a resident at a nursing home? Make sure you pay attention to any medication prescribed to him or her, as there have been reports of facilities using powerful antipsychotic medications in an attempt to sedate residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. According to National Public Radio, the drugs are …
Does My Loved One’s Nursing Home Have Adequate Fire Safety Systems?
Have you ever had concerns about the nursing home your family member resides in when it comes to fire safety? Apparently, there are still numerous facilities across the country that have inadequate fire sprinkler systems or are missing protections in general. According to the Associated Press, there are 385 facilities in 39 states that have failed to meet sprinkler requirements …
What Should I Do If a Nursing Home Fails to Give My Relative Medication?
Whenever you place your family member in a nursing home, you would expect that he or she would receive professional care. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes, nursing homes have issues surrounding employees when it comes to the care of patients. These problems are often seen in the form of abuse and neglect, which may take many forms. …
What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?
Nursing homes have a duty to protect residents from threats of violence, as well as from neglect and other issues that may put their safety at risk. Nursing home abuse and neglect is something that state and federal agencies take very seriously. If you have a family member who you believe is suffering at the hands of a nursing home, …