When nursing homes take simple, preventative steps such as: turning patients, keeping them clean, and providing adequate nutrition and hydration; they can greatly decrease the incidence of pressure sores at their facilities. However, even though the preventative steps are well known, many nursing facilities simply fail to implement the necessary…
Some of my angriest clients contact me after a loved one was transferred from a nursing home to another nursing home or hospital only to learn of serious medical problems their loved one likely acquired during their original admission. Of course, breaking disappointing news is difficult for anyone to…
An article published in the Las Vegas Sun, painted an unfortunately common set of circumstances; an overweight patient goes into a hospital for a medical procedure– only to acquire pressure sores during their stay. Sure, the same scenario can (and most certainly does) occur with people of average stature, but…
Contractures are a medical condition where a joint is held in a fixed position due to the shortening of a muscle or tendon due to stress exerted on the muscle or spasticity (uncontrolled muscle movement). Older patients and those with limited mobility are especially prone to develop contractures. Contractures most…
Sad but true, many nursing home patients are suffering from malnutrition. While we often associate malnutrition amongst the homeless or people living in a third-world country, some studies suggest that between 35% and 85% of nursing home patients are malnourished. As attorney David Terry points out in his blog post,…
In times of need, locating necessary information regarding the legal rights and resources for nursing home patients can be difficult and imposing. In this respect, we are proud to introduce a new resource for patients, families and practitioners looking for a concise compilation of information regarding nursing home laws. Nursing Home…
A colleague forwarded me this video with Dr. Dale Bratzler of the Oklahoma Foundation for Medical Quality as he discusses the prevalence of pressure ulcers amongst patients in nursing homes and hospitals in the state. Unfortunately, Oklahoma is one of the top five worst states in terms of frequency of…
In addition to monitoring food and liquid intake of nursing home patients, staff need to pay attention to the elimination of the wastes. When urine and feces are not produced on a regular basis, nursing home staff must bring these problems to the attention of physicians. One of the…
A nursing home negligence lawsuit has been filed against Highland Health Care Center and its parent company Covenant Care Midwest for their negligent care of a patient. The lawsuit alleges that the patient was admitted to Highland Health Care Center on November 5, 2008 for physical therapy, following a total…
A colleague sent me this disturbing video of an advanced pressure sore. A fair warning, this video is graphic and disturbing. However, the reality is that pressure sores are a problem effecting individuals in nursing homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities and can not be ignored. Related Nursing Home…