Common Nursing Home Injuries

Bed Sores / Pressure Sores / Pressure Ulcers / Decubitus Ulcers

iStock_000016282175XSmallA bed sore (also known as: pressure sore, pressure ulcer, or decubitus ulcer) is caused by unrelieved pressure on bony prominences of the body. Over time, the unrelieved pressure restricts necessary blood circulation to the skin and tissue resulting in the death of the tissue and the surrounding muscle. What may begin as a small area of skin irritation can… more »

 

 

Medication Errors

Picture-12In the United States, 1.5 million preventable adverse drug events occur every year —many of which result in permanent injury or death. Studies have demonstrated that the majority of medication errors are the result of errors made during by nurses or physicians related at the administration of medication. The National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP)… more »

 

 

 

Wandering & Elopement

iStock_000005265503XSmallWandering (also referred to elopement) refers to a cognitively impaired person moving about a nursing home or long-term care facility without appreciation for where they are going. In some cases of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, they may attempt to leave the facility.

A nursing home resident’s propensity to wander / elope should be identified in an initial care… more »

 

 

 

 

Falls

Picture-11More than 1,800 people die each year in nursing home falls. All health care professionals in the nursing home setting must work together to help encourage nursing home safety.

Nursing homes are required to conduct a fall-risk assessment for every resident to determine who may be at risk for falls. The fall-risk assessment is particularly to preventing falls because it… more »

 

 

 

Wrongful Death

What Is A Wrongful Death Case?

“Wrongful death” is a term that commonly applies to a lawsuit brought against a nursing home by the family of a deceased person related to the facilities negligence. In a wrongful death lawsuit, the victim’s survivors are entitled to monetary damages as a result of the improper conduct.

A wrongful death claim generally consists… more »

 

 

Physical Abuse

Picture-13Sadly, physical abuse is a major problem in our nations nursing homes. An estimated 5% of our nations seniors have been victims of physical abuse at some point during their so called ‘golden years’. Some experts believe physical abuse is even more common in institutional settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFE)… more »

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sexual Abuse

depressed-lady-150x150Perhaps the most unspeakable act that occurs in nursing homes, hospitals and other long-term care facilities involves the sexual abuse of patients. The sad fact is that every patient— young, old, male, female, disabled or able-bodied can be a victim of unwanted sexual contact—regardless of the facilities reputation.

A Particularly Vulnerable Group

Due to the fact that many people in… more »

 

Neglect

oldpics1-300x191Caring for nursing home patients is hard work! Caregivers must be dedicated to invest the necessary time and effort to assure the medical, personal and psychological needs of their patients are met. When caregivers fail to provide necessary care, the patient begins to suffer. Compared with an affirmative act in nursing home abuse or nursing home negligence cases, nursing home… more »

 

 

 

 

Nursing Home FAQ

iStock_000000489670XSmallWhat are the rights of nursing home patients under federal law?

Although many nursing home patients frequently feel trapped within the situation they are currently in, nursing home patients actually have many rights granted to them under federal law. Federal law empowers nursing home patients to make decisions with respect to their medical treatment and personal care.

Federal law guarantees… more »

 

 

 

 

Wheelchair Accidents

Wheelchair-Accidents-NHI-300x225There are approximately 1.3 million Americans living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, with about 80% of these residents using a wheelchair at least once a day. While wheelchairs are meant to assist in mobility for these residents, when used improperly or not supervised, these devices can lead to severe injuries. It is the responsibility of those caring for… more »

 

 

 

Dehydration

Dehydration-216x300Although water is plentiful in the U.S., there are many that still suffer from dehydration every day while under full-time medical care. In nursing homes across the country, there are elderly that are suffering from dehydration, even though water is readily available, just out of their reach. Due to neglect from low staffing or inattentive nursing staff, many of these… more »

 

 

 

 
 
 

Assisted Living Injuries

Assisted-Living-Injuries-300x300For many elderly, assisted living facilities allow a certain amount of independence while still receiving the care and monitoring that they need for certain daily tasks and health care requirements. While not as restrictive as a nursing home, assisted living facilities are given the responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy environment for their residents. Residents are often dependent on… more »

 
 
 

Choking

Choking-300x2031Choking injuries and fatalities are a concern in the elderly, especially those who require full-time nursing care. There are a host of disorders and medications that can make swallowing difficult for the elderly, putting nursing home patients at risk for choking when eating, taking medications or even drinking water. In addition, patients that require a breathing tube rely on the… more »

 
 

Malnutrition

Malnutrition-300x280When a loved one is admitted to a nursing home, it is usually due to medical conditions that require constant care that cannot be easily administered at home. Beyond their medical needs it is expected that they will be receiving the nutrition and basic requirements they need to remain healthy. Unfortunately this is not always the case, with many nursing… more »

 
 
 
 
 
 

Smoking Accidents

Smoking-Accidents-300x300-150x150Smoking inside or on the grounds of a nursing home is a hot topic, one that has influenced many laws and lawsuits in prior years. While nursing home patients that are smokers fight for their rights to continue smoking, others are fighting to have smoking banned altogether in nursing homes. Whatever side you land on, everyone can agree that patients… more »

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