The elderly are vulnerable because they can’t defend themselves as well as others can against physical attacks like beatings or rape. This is why it’s so important that you get involved if you suspect something bad has happened to your loved one while he or she was living at an California nursing home. You can help put an end to this disturbing pattern so no one else has to suffer like this ever again. Contact the legal team at Siegal & Richardson today. Our nursing home abuse lawyer Oakland California will help protect your family.
As a family member, you have a personal interest in protecting your loved ones from the dangers associated with nursing home facilities. Nursing home residents are at risk of abuse, neglect and mistreatment by their caretakers. In fact, studies show that they are more likely to suffer from abuse and neglect than other groups of people.
Falls
Falls are a leading cause of death in nursing homes. In general, about 28% of older adults fall and suffer a serious injury. With proper precautions, however, falls can be prevented. The CDC and other state and federal agencies have crafted guidelines for preventing falls, particularly in elder care facilities.
Falls can cause broken bones, such as wrist, arm, ankle, and hip fractures. They can also cause head injuries. These can be very serious, especially if the person is taking certain medicines (like blood thinners). An older person who falls and hits their head should see their doctor right away to make sure they don’t have a brain injury.
Elderly residents are more prone to falls when:
- They are not properly monitored
- Handrails are not located where needed, are not properly installed, or are broken
- They attempt to go down stairs without supervision
- Wet, slippery floors are not marked or blocked off
- Furniture is not adequately spaced and there’s not sufficient room for walking devices
If you or your loved one has suffered a fall at a nursing home due to neglectful care, you should contact a nursing home abuse lawyer Oakland California immediately.
Medication errors
Nursing home residents are at higher risk of experiencing a medication error than other people who live in residential care facilities, such as assisted living facilities and independent senior housing. This may be because nursing homes have more complex medical needs than other kinds of residential care facilities do. The problem is compounded by staffing shortages, which result in less attention being paid to each individual resident.
A medication error can occur when the wrong drug is given to a patient or the correct drug is not given on time or in the wrong dosage.
These incidents happen more often in nursing homes than they do in other types of healthcare facilities. Following the residents health plan is essential and with proper staffing and training, errors should not occur.
If your family member has become ill or has died because of a medication error, you may have a personal injury claim. Our nursing home abuse lawyer Oakland California has the resources, the power, the desire, and the chutzpah to fight and pursue justice for you.
Bed sores
If you notice bed sores when visiting your family member you may have a personal injury claim. With proper care, these are preventable, and your loved one should not be suffering with them. At Siegal & Richardson, our nursing home abuse lawyer Oakland California can assist you with your personal injury claim. Contact us today at 510-271-6720.
Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers, are a serious and painful problem for nursing home residents. These wounds can be prevented with proper care, but they’re all too common in nursing home facilities throughout the United States.
A wound is considered a bed sore when it reaches through the top layer of skin, exposing the second layer below. Bed sores can lead to infections, sepsis (a life-threatening illness caused by an overgrowth of bacteria), and even death if they’re not treated promptly and properly by medical professionals.
Our nursing home abuse lawyer Oakland California can help protect your loved one
Nursing homes are supposed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for seniors with chronic medical conditions. Unfortunately, many nursing homes are understaffed and lack the resources they need to keep residents safe. When this happens you may need a nursing home abuse lawyer Oakland California to file a personal injury claim for elder abuse.
Malnutrition and dehydration can lead to other other serious health problems. In nursing homes, it is frequently due to neglect because of understaffing. When you know what to look for can help you ensure your loved one is treated with dignity and respect.
