Steele Chaffee Nursing Home Abuse Law
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    • Errors in Anticoagulation Medication
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  • Home
  • About
  • Nursing Home Deaths
  • Nursing Home Negligence & Abuse
    • Amputation
    • Broken Bones/Fractures
    • Bruises
    • Choking
    • Clostridium Difficile Injuries
    • Coronavirus COVID-19 Infections
    • Dehydration
    • Dementia/Alzheimer’s Related Accidents
    • Diabetes Injuries
    • Errors in Anticoagulation Medication
    • Falls in Nursing Homes
    • Feeding Tube Complications
    • Fraud and Consumer Protection Act Claims
    • Infections
    • Malnutrition
    • Neglect
    • Overmedication
    • Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes
    • Pressure Ulcers / Bed Sores
    • Scalding & Burns
    • Sepsis
    • Sexual Abuse
    • Transportation Accidents
    • Urinary Tract Infection
    • Wandering / Elopement
    • Wrongful Death
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OUR FOCUS & HOW WE CAN HELP YOU.
Amputation
Broken Bones/Fractures
Bruises
Choking
Clostridium Difficile Injuries
Coronavirus COVID-19 Infections
Dehydration
Dementia/Alzheimer’s Related Accidents
Diabetes Injuries
Errors in Anticoagulation Medication
Falls in Nursing Homes
Feeding Tube Complications
Fraud in Nursing Homes
Infections
Malnutrition
Neglect
Overmedication
Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes
Pressure Ulcers / Bed Sores
Scalding and Burns
Sepsis
Sexual Abuse
Transportation Accidents
Urinary Tract Infection
Wandering / Elopement
Wrongful Death

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    Steele Law
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    (816) 466-5947

    2345 Grand Boulevard, Suite 750
    Kansas City, MO 64108
    Steele Chaffee are your advocates for nursing home abuse law and litigation. We provide legal services and client representation across a wide variety of nursing home abuse instances including wrongful death, negligence and abuse, inadequate training of nursing home staff and many others. Don't hesitate to reach out to our Kansas City legal team to discuss your unique situation.

    Amputation

    The normal aging process results in many complications, but amputation should not be one of them. If a physician determines that an amputation is necessary it is important to determine the reason. In most cases, it is the result of a medical condition gone wrong. Too often, the medical condition necessitating amputation worsens due to the negligent conduct of nursing home staff. In these situations, the victim or his or her family are entitled to compensation from the nursing home.

    The primary cause of amputations for nursing home residents are complications arising from diabetes. However, peripheral artery disease and even bedsores can result in the need for this procedure. For that reason, nursing home residents depend on staff to monitor their conditions and ensure they receive proper treatment. The conduct of nursing home staff should be examined if any of these conditions result in amputation.

     

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    Amputation

    The normal aging process results in many complications, but amputation should not be one of them. If a physician determines that an amputation is necessary it is important to determine the reason. In most cases, it is the result of a medical condition gone wrong. Too often, the medical condition necessitating amputation worsens due to the negligent conduct of nursing home staff. In these situations, the victim or his or her family are entitled to compensation from the nursing home.

    The primary cause of amputations for nursing home residents are complications arising from diabetes. However, peripheral artery disease and even bedsores can result in the need for this procedure. For that reason, nursing home residents depend on staff to monitor their conditions and ensure they receive proper treatment. The conduct of nursing home staff should be examined if any of these conditions result in amputation.

     

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    Broken Bones

    Broken bones and fractures are horrible for everyone.  These injuries are extremely painful and require a long time to heal. The healing process is even slower for elders, thus making the recovery process more extensive and dangerous. Unfortunately, nursing home residents too often break bones because of staff’s abuse or neglect.

    Broken bones are the result of too much pressure being put on a bone. When this happens the bone gives way, resulting in either a break or fracture. Elders are more susceptible to these injuries because their bones are more brittle. It is true that a broken bone may sometimes be accidental for an elder in a nursing home. However, if there is no explanation for the injury then this is a sign that abuse or neglect has occurred.

     

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    Broken Bones

    Broken bones and fractures are horrible for everyone.  These injuries are extremely painful and require a long time to heal. The healing process is even slower for elders, thus making the recovery process more extensive and dangerous. Unfortunately, nursing home residents too often break bones because of staff’s abuse or neglect.

    Broken bones are the result of too much pressure being put on a bone. When this happens the bone gives way, resulting in either a break or fracture. Elders are more susceptible to these injuries because their bones are more brittle. It is true that a broken bone may sometimes be accidental for an elder in a nursing home. However, if there is no explanation for the injury then this is a sign that abuse or neglect has occurred.

     

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    Bruises

    People are more susceptible to injuries and illnesses as they age. As a result, elders are much more likely to bruise than younger people. In some cases these bruises are accidental. However, bruising on a nursing home resident may also be a sign of abuse. For this reason, it is important that families know the difference between the various types of bruising.

    Bruising occurs when blood vessels under the skin rupture because of a blow to that area. Nursing home residents are especially vulnerable to bruising because as people age their skin becomes thinner and loses a lot of its moisture. These two factors leave blood vessels underneath the skin exposed and more likely to bruise.

     

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    Bruises

    People are more susceptible to injuries and illnesses as they age. As a result, elders are much more likely to bruise than younger people. In some cases these bruises are accidental. However, bruising on a nursing home resident may also be a sign of abuse. For this reason, it is important that families know the difference between the various types of bruising.

    Bruising occurs when blood vessels under the skin rupture because of a blow to that area. Nursing home residents are especially vulnerable to bruising because as people age their skin becomes thinner and loses a lot of its moisture. These two factors leave blood vessels underneath the skin exposed and more likely to bruise.

     

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    Choking

    As people age, they have difficulty completing tasks that were once easy. For example, many nursing home residents have trouble chewing and swallowing. This is often due to a medical condition called dysphagia that results in trouble swallowing because the esophageal muscles no longer work properly. Nursing home staff can prevent choking incidents by exercising extra care and precaution. However, neglect does occur and choking incidents happen. While this neglect is inexcusable, a swift response can usually save a nursing home resident that is choking. Unfortunately, this response often never comes and tragic consequences result.

    Preventing nursing home residents from choking should not be a difficult task for staff. In most cases, it involves identifying residents with difficulty swallowing food and making the necessary changes to their routine at meals. This may include serving food in a manner that is easier to swallow or using a feeding tube. But most often, preventing chocking only requires spending extra time supervising residents while they eat.

     

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    Choking

    As people age, they have difficulty completing tasks that were once easy. For example, many nursing home residents have trouble chewing and swallowing. This is often due to a medical condition called dysphagia that results in trouble swallowing because the esophageal muscles no longer work properly. Nursing home staff can prevent choking incidents by exercising extra care and precaution. However, neglect does occur and choking incidents happen. While this neglect is inexcusable, a swift response can usually save a nursing home resident that is choking. Unfortunately, this response often never comes and tragic consequences result.

    Preventing nursing home residents from choking should not be a difficult task for staff. In most cases, it involves identifying residents with difficulty swallowing food and making the necessary changes to their routine at meals. This may include serving food in a manner that is easier to swallow or using a feeding tube. But most often, preventing chocking only requires spending extra time supervising residents while they eat.

     

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    Clostridium Difficile Injuries

    Clostridium Difficile or “C-Diff” is a bacterial infection prevalent in nursing homes. Typically, C-Diff results in diarrhea and intestinal problems, but can also result in more serious issues. Unfortunately, C-Diff bacteria is very contagious and can survive on surfaces for extended periods of time. If not properly managed, C-Diff can easily spread throughout a nursing home facility. Thus, it is imperative that nursing homes take the necessary precautions to stop or limit C-Diff outbreaks.

    The most common symptoms of “C-Diff” are mild to severe diarrhea and intestinal problems. In particular, C-Diff can cause bowel perforation, toxic megacolon, dehydration, kidney failure and even death. Early symptoms include loss of appetite, fever, blood or pus in the stool, and weight loss.

     

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    Clostridium Difficile Injuries

    Clostridium Difficile or “C-Diff” is a bacterial infection prevalent in nursing homes. Typically, C-Diff results in diarrhea and intestinal problems, but can also result in more serious issues. Unfortunately, C-Diff bacteria is very contagious and can survive on surfaces for extended periods of time. If not properly managed, C-Diff can easily spread throughout a nursing home facility. Thus, it is imperative that nursing homes take the necessary precautions to stop or limit C-Diff outbreaks.

    The most common symptoms of “C-Diff” are mild to severe diarrhea and intestinal problems. In particular, C-Diff can cause bowel perforation, toxic megacolon, dehydration, kidney failure and even death. Early symptoms include loss of appetite, fever, blood or pus in the stool, and weight loss.

     

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    Coronavirus COVID-19 Infections

    Nursing homes are supposed to keep residents healthy. However, infections like Coronavius / COVID-19 can run rampant in nursing home facilities. The law requires nursing homes to implement an Infection Control Program but such programs can fall short of patient needs. Infectious diseases threaten the health of residents and risk death or serious complications. Unfortunately, nursing homes fail to identify and treat treat even significant infections from occurring in residents.

    Infections like COVID-19 can quickly and easily spread in a nursing home because residents live in close proximity to each other. Typical infection control policies include washing hands, wiping down surfaces, and cleaning dirty equipment. At a minimum, these policies help to eliminate bacteria and are recommended and required by law.

     

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    Coronavirus COVID-19 Infections

    Nursing homes are supposed to keep residents healthy. However, infections like Coronavius / COVID-19 can run rampant in nursing home facilities. The law requires nursing homes to implement an Infection Control Program but such programs can fall short of patient needs. Infectious diseases threaten the health of residents and risk death or serious complications. Unfortunately, nursing homes fail to identify and treat treat even significant infections from occurring in residents.

    Infections like COVID-19 can quickly and easily spread in a nursing home because residents live in close proximity to each other. Typical infection control policies include washing hands, wiping down surfaces, and cleaning dirty equipment. At a minimum, these policies help to eliminate bacteria and are recommended and required by law.

     

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    Dehydration

    Every person must ensure that he or she is properly hydrated. Proper hydration is especially important for the elderly and often requires supervision from nursing home staff. As people age their need for water remains the same, but their thirst decreases. This makes the elderly more susceptible to dehydration and requires that caregivers pay particular attention to make sure loved ones stay hydrated.

    Sadly, some studies have shown only 5% of nursing home residents receive proper hydration. While the number of dehydrated nursing home residents is itself problematic, the consequences of dehydration is downright scary. For example, dehydrated nursing home residents are susceptible to diarrhea, vomiting, fever, excessive sweating, and even coma. In serious cases death may occur. In fact, dehydration was shown to account for 1,400 deaths of nursing home residents over a four-year period.

     

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    Dehydration

    Every person must ensure that he or she is properly hydrated. Proper hydration is especially important for the elderly and often requires supervision from nursing home staff. As people age their need for water remains the same, but their thirst decreases. This makes the elderly more susceptible to dehydration and requires that caregivers pay particular attention to make sure loved ones stay hydrated.

    Sadly, some studies have shown only 5% of nursing home residents receive proper hydration. While the number of dehydrated nursing home residents is itself problematic, the consequences of dehydration is downright scary. For example, dehydrated nursing home residents are susceptible to diarrhea, vomiting, fever, excessive sweating, and even coma. In serious cases death may occur. In fact, dehydration was shown to account for 1,400 deaths of nursing home residents over a four-year period.

     

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    Dementia/Alzheimer’s Related Accidents

    Families keep loved ones living independently for a long as possible. However, many elders eventually require the specialized care of a nursing home. This is especially true for loved ones suffering from dementia. Indeed, over 5.1 million people over the age of 65 suffer from some form of dementia, while half of all people over age 85 suffer from the disease. Too often, however, these elders are neglected by the nursing home facility rather than given the care they were promised.

    Dementia is not a specific disease, but rather a broad term used to describe the loss of memory and cognitive abilities. Alzheimer’s disease is responsible for 60-80 percent of all cases. Vascular dementia is the result of many small strokes in the brains that lead to cognitive problems and eventually dementia. Nursing home residents deserve extra care and attention no matter what form they suffer from.

     

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    Dementia/Alzheimer’s Related Accidents

    Families keep loved ones living independently for a long as possible. However, many elders eventually require the specialized care of a nursing home. This is especially true for loved ones suffering from dementia. Indeed, over 5.1 million people over the age of 65 suffer from some form of dementia, while half of all people over age 85 suffer from the disease. Too often, however, these elders are neglected by the nursing home facility rather than given the care they were promised.

    Dementia is not a specific disease, but rather a broad term used to describe the loss of memory and cognitive abilities. Alzheimer’s disease is responsible for 60-80 percent of all cases. Vascular dementia is the result of many small strokes in the brains that lead to cognitive problems and eventually dementia. Nursing home residents deserve extra care and attention no matter what form they suffer from.

     

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    Diabetes Injuries

    Approximately one-third of all people admitted to nursing homes have diabetes. Eighty-percent of those residents also suffer from some cardiovascular diseases, while fifty-six percent have been diagnosed with hypertension. All of these issues are treatable, however. That is why many families turn to a nursing home to provide the constant care and attention their loved one requires. Unfortunately, many nursing homes ignore diabetic complications resulting in severe injury or even death.

    Diabetes Mellitus refers to a person’s inability to produce the correct amount of insulin to manage the glucose levels in their blood. This condition requires regular monitoring, including constant checking of blood sugar levels, specialized diet, and in many cases medication. Yet, nursing home staff are often too short on time or patience to provide this essential and promised care. As a result, complications from diabetes arise often in nursing home residents.

     

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    Diabetes Injuries

    Approximately one-third of all people admitted to nursing homes have diabetes. Eighty-percent of those residents also suffer from some cardiovascular diseases, while fifty-six percent have been diagnosed with hypertension. All of these issues are treatable, however. That is why many families turn to a nursing home to provide the constant care and attention their loved one requires. Unfortunately, many nursing homes ignore diabetic complications resulting in severe injury or even death.

    Diabetes Mellitus refers to a person’s inability to produce the correct amount of insulin to manage the glucose levels in their blood. This condition requires regular monitoring, including constant checking of blood sugar levels, specialized diet, and in many cases medication. Yet, nursing home staff are often too short on time or patience to provide this essential and promised care. As a result, complications from diabetes arise often in nursing home residents.

     

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    Errors in Anticoagulation Medication

    The formation of blood clots is a common ailment associated with aging. If left untreated, blood clots can cause serious injuries such as heart attack, stroke, and even death. For this reason, many nursing home residents take an anticoagulant medication. If used properly, these medications can be life-sustaining. However, when anticoagulation medication is not properly monitored there can be serious consequences.

    Unfortunately, many nursing homes fail to properly administer anticoagulation medication to its residents. If nursing home staff fail to use anticoagulants as directed residents could experience blood clots, brain bleeds, internal bleeding, heart attack and stroke. Mismanagement may also increase severity of other injuries and increase the risk of falls. As a result, nursing home staff should take extra precaution with elders that are prescribed anticoagulants.

     

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    Errors in Anticoagulation Medication

    The formation of blood clots is a common ailment associated with aging. If left untreated, blood clots can cause serious injuries such as heart attack, stroke, and even death. For this reason, many nursing home residents take an anticoagulant medication. If used properly, these medications can be life-sustaining. However, when anticoagulation medication is not properly monitored there can be serious consequences.

    Unfortunately, many nursing homes fail to properly administer anticoagulation medication to its residents. If nursing home staff fail to use anticoagulants as directed residents could experience blood clots, brain bleeds, internal bleeding, heart attack and stroke. Mismanagement may also increase severity of other injuries and increase the risk of falls. As a result, nursing home staff should take extra precaution with elders that are prescribed anticoagulants.

     

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    Falls in Nursing Homes

    Falls are not as much of a concern for younger people, but for the elderly falls can have disastrous consequences. Even mild falls can have dangerous consequences. For example, elderly bones are often brittle, meaning that falls can result in debilitating injuries such as a broken hip.

    More than half to three-quarters of nursing home residents will fall each year. This is twice the rate for elderly persons living in their homes. Indeed, these statistics fail to account for the fact that nursing home falls are underreported. On top of all this, more than 1,800 nursing home residents die from fall-related injuries.

     

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    Falls in Nursing Homes

    Falls are not as much of a concern for younger people, but for the elderly falls can have disastrous consequences. Even mild falls can have dangerous consequences. For example, elderly bones are often brittle, meaning that falls can result in debilitating injuries such as a broken hip.

    More than half to three-quarters of nursing home residents will fall each year. This is twice the rate for elderly persons living in their homes. Indeed, these statistics fail to account for the fact that nursing home falls are underreported. On top of all this, more than 1,800 nursing home residents die from fall-related injuries.

     

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    Feeding Tube Complications

    Loved ones often fail to meet their most basic nutritional needs as they grow older. For example, it is estimated that 40 to 60 percent of nursing home residents have issues with swallowing food. As a result, feeding tubes are at least temporarily necessary to assist elderly people in meeting their nutritional needs. In these situations, it is very important that nursing home staff monitor the resident with a feeding tube to ensure there are no complications. While this should be standard, unfortunately residents with feeding tubes are often denied the care they deserve. The consequences of this neglect can be disastrous.

    Feeding tubes should be a last resort for patients facing nutritional challenges. Feeding tubes can cause psychological trauma, physical injuries, and even loss of function. For instance, potential complications include aspiration, constipation, diarrhea, fluid or electrolyte imbalance, GI bleeding, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), nausea, and skin sight irritation. More commonly, tubes can become blocked or displaced resulting in dehydration and starvation. In most situations, proper patient monitoring makes these complications completely avoidable.

     

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    Feeding Tube Complications

    Loved ones often fail to meet their most basic nutritional needs as they grow older. For example, it is estimated that 40 to 60 percent of nursing home residents have issues with swallowing food. As a result, feeding tubes are at least temporarily necessary to assist elderly people in meeting their nutritional needs. In these situations, it is very important that nursing home staff monitor the resident with a feeding tube to ensure there are no complications. While this should be standard, unfortunately residents with feeding tubes are often denied the care they deserve. The consequences of this neglect can be disastrous.

    Feeding tubes should be a last resort for patients facing nutritional challenges. Feeding tubes can cause psychological trauma, physical injuries, and even loss of function. For instance, potential complications include aspiration, constipation, diarrhea, fluid or electrolyte imbalance, GI bleeding, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), nausea, and skin sight irritation. More commonly, tubes can become blocked or displaced resulting in dehydration and starvation. In most situations, proper patient monitoring makes these complications completely avoidable.

     

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    Fraud in Nursing Homes

    Families often search for a nursing home that can provide specialized care for their loved one. Many nursing home facilities advertise that they specialize in treating patients with certain disabilities. Sometimes these facilities will claim to use Special Care Units (SCUs) to better meet the needs of residents suffering from Dementia. In fact, these SCUs are often the reason families choose a specific nursing home. Unfortunately, many nursing homes do not actually provide the services they advertise.

    Nursing homes developed SCUs to cater to the specific needs of residents with dementia. It is true that some SCUs have raised the standard of care for residents, but there have also been problems. For instance, an Alzheimer’s Association study showed that nursing homes failed to disclose extra costs associated with Dementia focused 39% of the time. Similarly, 29% of families did not know if they were paying more for their loved one to live in an SCU. The study also showed that SCUs often concealed material facts from families. Even worse, many SCUs do not provide the care they claim. Often, nursing homes that advertise special care for dementia patients provide the same care as non-dementia patients. All these practices violate state consumer protection statutes.

     

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    Fraud in Nursing Homes

    Families often search for a nursing home that can provide specialized care for their loved one. Many nursing home facilities advertise that they specialize in treating patients with certain disabilities. Sometimes these facilities will claim to use Special Care Units (SCUs) to better meet the needs of residents suffering from Dementia. In fact, these SCUs are often the reason families choose a specific nursing home. Unfortunately, many nursing homes do not actually provide the services they advertise.

    Nursing homes developed SCUs to cater to the specific needs of residents with dementia. It is true that some SCUs have raised the standard of care for residents, but there have also been problems. For instance, an Alzheimer’s Association study showed that nursing homes failed to disclose extra costs associated with Dementia focused 39% of the time. Similarly, 29% of families did not know if they were paying more for their loved one to live in an SCU. The study also showed that SCUs often concealed material facts from families. Even worse, many SCUs do not provide the care they claim. Often, nursing homes that advertise special care for dementia patients provide the same care as non-dementia patients. All these practices violate state consumer protection statutes.

     

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    Infections

    Nursing homes are supposed to keep residents healthy. However, infections run rampant in many nursing home facilities. This is a reality despite the fact that the law requires nursing homes to implement an Infection Control Program. These infections threaten the health of each resident and risk serious complications. Unfortunately, nursing homes fail to quickly and properly treat even naturally occurring infections in residents.

    The law requires every nursing home to produce and implement an Infection Control Program to protect residents. Infections can quickly and easily spread in a nursing home because residents live in close proximity to each other. Typical infection control policies include washing hands, wiping down surfaces, and cleaning dirty equipment. At a minimum, these policies help to eliminate bacteria.

     

    Read More >>

    Infections

    Nursing homes are supposed to keep residents healthy. However, infections run rampant in many nursing home facilities. This is a reality despite the fact that the law requires nursing homes to implement an Infection Control Program. These infections threaten the health of each resident and risk serious complications. Unfortunately, nursing homes fail to quickly and properly treat even naturally occurring infections in residents.

    The law requires every nursing home to produce and implement an Infection Control Program to protect residents. Infections can quickly and easily spread in a nursing home because residents live in close proximity to each other. Typical infection control policies include washing hands, wiping down surfaces, and cleaning dirty equipment. At a minimum, these policies help to eliminate bacteria.

     

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    Malnutrition

    When families are forced to place a relative in the care of a nursing home, they trust the facility to ensure any special needs are met. Unfortunately, nursing home staff often fail to address a resident’s most basic needs such as adequate nutrition. For example, at least one-third of all nursing home residents suffer from malnutrition. According to some studies, the figure may be as high as 85% of all nursing home residents.

    While proper nutrition is important for any person, it is essential to an elderly person’s metabolic processes. Thus, nursing homes have a duty to meet certain nutritional standards for all of their residents. Symptoms of malnutrition include weight loss, swollen gums, fragile bones, lethargy, confusion, swollen or bloated abdomen and decreased organ function, and even death.

     

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    Malnutrition

    When families are forced to place a relative in the care of a nursing home, they trust the facility to ensure any special needs are met. Unfortunately, nursing home staff often fail to address a resident’s most basic needs such as adequate nutrition. For example, at least one-third of all nursing home residents suffer from malnutrition. According to some studies, the figure may be as high as 85% of all nursing home residents.

    While proper nutrition is important for any person, it is essential to an elderly person’s metabolic processes. Thus, nursing homes have a duty to meet certain nutritional standards for all of their residents. Symptoms of malnutrition include weight loss, swollen gums, fragile bones, lethargy, confusion, swollen or bloated abdomen and decreased organ function, and even death.

     

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    Neglect

    The sad truth about nursing homes is that they often fail to provide the very thing that families expect. Nursing homes are supposed to provide the specialized care that families cannot. In fact, nursing homes often promise to provide the specialized care a love one requires. Unfortunately, the promise of proper care often turns into neglect for many nursing home residents. This is inexcusable and the nursing home should not go unpunished.

    Neglect in a nursing home is defined as any failure by staff to meet the essential needs of a resident. Failure to possess the proper facilities or enough staff to care for a resident does not excuse it. In fact, neglect can be both intentional and unintentional. Intentional neglect occurs when staff purposefully fails to fulfill a resident’s needs. Unintentional neglect occurs when staff forget or fail to recognize the essential needs of a resident. Neither type of is ever excusable.

     

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    Neglect

    The sad truth about nursing homes is that they often fail to provide the very thing that families expect. Nursing homes are supposed to provide the specialized care that families cannot. In fact, nursing homes often promise to provide the specialized care a love one requires. Unfortunately, the promise of proper care often turns into neglect for many nursing home residents. This is inexcusable and the nursing home should not go unpunished.

    Neglect in a nursing home is defined as any failure by staff to meet the essential needs of a resident. Failure to possess the proper facilities or enough staff to care for a resident does not excuse it. In fact, neglect can be both intentional and unintentional. Intentional neglect occurs when staff purposefully fails to fulfill a resident’s needs. Unintentional neglect occurs when staff forget or fail to recognize the essential needs of a resident. Neither type of is ever excusable.

     

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    Overmedication

    Loved ones often require daily medication in order to maintain their health as they age. This is especially true for nursing home residents. In fact, approximately 95% of all nursing home residents are on some kind of medication. While this is necessary in some cases, nursing home staff often overprescribe and overmedicate as a means of restraining residents. Overmedication is not only ethically wrong, it also causes serious health issues.

    Overmedication with antipsychotic drugs is the most common way nursing home residents are medically restrained. Nursing home staff often prescribe these drugs with neither the consent of the resident nor the treating physician. In fact, studies have shown that approximately 17% of nursing home residents receive more than the required dosage of antipsychotics on a daily basis.

     

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    Overmedication

    Loved ones often require daily medication in order to maintain their health as they age. This is especially true for nursing home residents. In fact, approximately 95% of all nursing home residents are on some kind of medication. While this is necessary in some cases, nursing home staff often overprescribe and overmedicate as a means of restraining residents. Overmedication is not only ethically wrong, it also causes serious health issues.

    Overmedication with antipsychotic drugs is the most common way nursing home residents are medically restrained. Nursing home staff often prescribe these drugs with neither the consent of the resident nor the treating physician. In fact, studies have shown that approximately 17% of nursing home residents receive more than the required dosage of antipsychotics on a daily basis.

     

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    Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes

    Nursing homes should be a safe and comfortable environment where loved ones get the care they need. Unfortunately, nursing homes are often a toxic place where the very people entrusted to care for loved ones physically abuse them. This mistreatment is defined as intentional actions that cause harm or create a serious risk of harm (whether or not harm is intended) to vulnerable elders by a caregiver or other person who stands in a trust relationship to the elder. Despite the tireless efforts of families to find the right nursing home, surveys show that 44% of nursing home residents report physical abuse.

    Signs of this abuse may not be obvious in many situations, especially to family members. Indeed, the elderly may feel powerless because they are unable to stand up for themselves while caregivers take advantage of their vulnerable state. In fact, most incidents of abuse in nursing homes go unreported out of fear of retaliation while staff members also fail to police one another. However, it does not matter whether the abuse occurs through a cover-up or because an employee turned a blind eye. Put simply, nursing home abuse is unacceptable under any circumstances.

     

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    Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes

    Nursing homes should be a safe and comfortable environment where loved ones get the care they need. Unfortunately, nursing homes are often a toxic place where the very people entrusted to care for loved ones physically abuse them. This mistreatment is defined as intentional actions that cause harm or create a serious risk of harm (whether or not harm is intended) to vulnerable elders by a caregiver or other person who stands in a trust relationship to the elder. Despite the tireless efforts of families to find the right nursing home, surveys show that 44% of nursing home residents report physical abuse.

    Signs of this abuse may not be obvious in many situations, especially to family members. Indeed, the elderly may feel powerless because they are unable to stand up for themselves while caregivers take advantage of their vulnerable state. In fact, most incidents of abuse in nursing homes go unreported out of fear of retaliation while staff members also fail to police one another. However, it does not matter whether the abuse occurs through a cover-up or because an employee turned a blind eye. Put simply, nursing home abuse is unacceptable under any circumstances.

     

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    Pressure Ulcers / Bed Sores

    The most common sign of nursing home neglect is the presence of pressure ulcers – or as they are more commonly known – bedsores. Bedsores result from unrelieved pressure, friction, poor circulation, and uncomfortable temperature. Loved ones with mobility issues or those confined to their bed are most susceptible to bed sores if nursing home staff fail to take the proper preventative steps.

    Unfortunately, nursing homes fail to implement preventative care more often than not. In fact, 1 in 10 nursing home residents in the United States have a bedsore. Elders are often left in their beds for days because staff is “too busy” to check on them or they are too inconvenient to move. There is no excuse for this negligence and it can lead to very serious injuries and even death.

     

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    Pressure Ulcers / Bed Sores

    The most common sign of nursing home neglect is the presence of pressure ulcers – or as they are more commonly known – bedsores. Bedsores result from unrelieved pressure, friction, poor circulation, and uncomfortable temperature. Loved ones with mobility issues or those confined to their bed are most susceptible to bed sores if nursing home staff fail to take the proper preventative steps.

    Unfortunately, nursing homes fail to implement preventative care more often than not. In fact, 1 in 10 nursing home residents in the United States have a bedsore. Elders are often left in their beds for days because staff is “too busy” to check on them or they are too inconvenient to move. There is no excuse for this negligence and it can lead to very serious injuries and even death.

     

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    Scalding and Burns

    Family members seldom believe that loved ones could suffer burn injuries when considering the risks associated with a nursing home. Unfortunately, the threat is all too real. Nursing home negligence tends to conjure images of falls and physical abuse, but burn injuries have proven all too common. The saddest part is that these injuries are preventable. For example, burn and scalding injuries are often the result nursing home staff either forgetting to check on patients or failing to use care in assisting the resident.

    One of the most common sources of scalding and burns in nursing homes is when residents are left unattended in the bath or shower. Water heated to 120 degrees can cause 2nd degree burns in 8 minutes and 3rd degree burns in 10 minutes. If water is heated to 150 degrees 2nd degree burns can occur in less than one second and 3rd degree burns may appear shortly thereafter.

     

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    Scalding and Burns

    Family members seldom believe that loved ones could suffer burn injuries when considering the risks associated with a nursing home. Unfortunately, the threat is all too real. Nursing home negligence tends to conjure images of falls and physical abuse, but burn injuries have proven all too common. The saddest part is that these injuries are preventable. For example, burn and scalding injuries are often the result nursing home staff either forgetting to check on patients or failing to use care in assisting the resident.

    One of the most common sources of scalding and burns in nursing homes is when residents are left unattended in the bath or shower. Water heated to 120 degrees can cause 2nd degree burns in 8 minutes and 3rd degree burns in 10 minutes. If water is heated to 150 degrees 2nd degree burns can occur in less than one second and 3rd degree burns may appear shortly thereafter.

     

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    Sepsis

    Preventing infections is one of the most important parts of keeping nursing home residents healthy. Unfortunately, nursing home residents are often particularly vulnerable to infection due to weakened immune systems. For this reason, the law requires each nursing home to implement an Infection Control Program. Nevertheless, millions of nursing home residents contract unnecessary infections and complications each year. One complication is Sepsis which can result in life-altering consequences for nursing home residents.

    Sepsis is the result of the body’s adverse reaction to bacteria or other germs. It is not caused by the infection itself, but the body’s response to chemicals released to fight the infection. Sepsis can lead to septic shock causing a nursing home resident’s blood pressure to drop to deadly levels. Even where it is not deadly, the blood pressure drop can cause damage to vital organs.

     

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    Sepsis

    Preventing infections is one of the most important parts of keeping nursing home residents healthy. Unfortunately, nursing home residents are often particularly vulnerable to infection due to weakened immune systems. For this reason, the law requires each nursing home to implement an Infection Control Program. Nevertheless, millions of nursing home residents contract unnecessary infections and complications each year. One complication is Sepsis which can result in life-altering consequences for nursing home residents.

    Sepsis is the result of the body’s adverse reaction to bacteria or other germs. It is not caused by the infection itself, but the body’s response to chemicals released to fight the infection. Sepsis can lead to septic shock causing a nursing home resident’s blood pressure to drop to deadly levels. Even where it is not deadly, the blood pressure drop can cause damage to vital organs.

     

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    Sexual Abuse

    Elders place a large amount of trust in their caregivers when admitted to a nursing home. In fact, residents depend on nursing home staff to assist them with many essential needs and ensure their safety. Unfortunately, some nursing home staff betray this trust in a despicable manner. Each year many nursing home residents are sexually abused by the very people entrusted to care for them.

    The National Center on Elder Abuse defines sexual abuse as “non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an elderly person” or “[s]exual contact with any person incapable of giving consent.” However, this does not just include physical sexual acts. For example, forcing nursing home residents to view explicit sexual material or remove their clothes can constitute sexual abuse as well. Likewise, non-consensual touching during legitimate activities such as bathing could also fall into the category.

     

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    Sexual Abuse

    Elders place a large amount of trust in their caregivers when admitted to a nursing home. In fact, residents depend on nursing home staff to assist them with many essential needs and ensure their safety. Unfortunately, some nursing home staff betray this trust in a despicable manner. Each year many nursing home residents are sexually abused by the very people entrusted to care for them.

    The National Center on Elder Abuse defines sexual abuse as “non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an elderly person” or “[s]exual contact with any person incapable of giving consent.” However, this does not just include physical sexual acts. For example, forcing nursing home residents to view explicit sexual material or remove their clothes can constitute sexual abuse as well. Likewise, non-consensual touching during legitimate activities such as bathing could also fall into the category.

     

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    Transportation Accidents

    Elders only enter a nursing home because they can no longer perform certain tasks necessary to maintain their health. These tasks include transporting themselves to doctor appointments, outpatient surgery, and in some cases the emergency room. Once in the nursing home, residents rely on medical transportation services provided by the nursing home. Unfortunately, nursing home residents are often injured during transportation.

    The law requires that a nursing home exercise due care and necessary precautions to prevent injuries when transporting residents. When nursing homes fail to exercise proper care and take proper precautions when transporting a resident then injuries are likely to occur.

     

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    Transportation Accidents

    Elders only enter a nursing home because they can no longer perform certain tasks necessary to maintain their health. These tasks include transporting themselves to doctor appointments, outpatient surgery, and in some cases the emergency room. Once in the nursing home, residents rely on medical transportation services provided by the nursing home. Unfortunately, nursing home residents are often injured during transportation.

    The law requires that a nursing home exercise due care and necessary precautions to prevent injuries when transporting residents. When nursing homes fail to exercise proper care and take proper precautions when transporting a resident then injuries are likely to occur.

     

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    Urinary Tract Infection

    People become more susceptible to infectious diseases as they age. Unfortunately, a urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infections nursing home residents acquire. Although nursing home residents are more likely to contract a disease, a UTI is usually preventable with proper medical care. However, nursing homes often fail to provide this most basic standard of care.

    UTIs result when bacteria enter the urethra and then the bladder. If not treated quickly, the infection can spread to the kidney. Once a UTI spreads to the kidneys, serious scarring and damage are possible. If the UTI remains untreated it can eventually turn into turn into sepsis ­– the deadly blood infection – and result in death. For this reason, it is important that nursing home staff identify and treat a UTI swiftly.

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    Urinary Tract Infection

    People become more susceptible to infectious diseases as they age. Unfortunately, a urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infections nursing home residents acquire. Although nursing home residents are more likely to contract a disease, a UTI is usually preventable with proper medical care. However, nursing homes often fail to provide this most basic standard of care.

    UTIs result when bacteria enter the urethra and then the bladder. If not treated quickly, the infection can spread to the kidney. Once a UTI spreads to the kidneys, serious scarring and damage are possible. If the UTI remains untreated it can eventually turn into turn into sepsis ­– the deadly blood infection – and result in death. For this reason, it is important that nursing home staff identify and treat a UTI swiftly.

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    Wandering / Elopement

    Families expect quality care and supervision when they place loved ones in a nursing home. Consistent monitoring of residents is an essential part of this quality care. This is especially important because many residents suffer from some form of cognitive impairment and require constant supervision. In fact, a recent study showed that 31% of nursing home residents are found wandering at least once. Worse yet, some elders “elope” or make it outside the nursing home.

    Wandering occurs when a cognitively impaired resident moves around the facility without supervision. Under these circumstances, residents can suffer injuries including falls or wandering into a dangerous area. However, proper supervision can eliminate wandering entirely. Unfortunately, too many nursing homes fail to develop a care plan that prevents wandering.

     

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    Wandering / Elopement

    Families expect quality care and supervision when they place loved ones in a nursing home. Consistent monitoring of residents is an essential part of this quality care. This is especially important because many residents suffer from some form of cognitive impairment and require constant supervision. In fact, a recent study showed that 31% of nursing home residents are found wandering at least once. Worse yet, some elders “elope” or make it outside the nursing home.

    Wandering occurs when a cognitively impaired resident moves around the facility without supervision. Under these circumstances, residents can suffer injuries including falls or wandering into a dangerous area. However, proper supervision can eliminate wandering entirely. Unfortunately, too many nursing homes fail to develop a care plan that prevents wandering.

     

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    Wrongful Death

    According to a recent census, 13% of the population is age 65 and over. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to 20% of the population. As a result, the number of people living in nursing homes is rising as well. While many nursing homes provide its residents with the care they deserve, a surprising number fail to live up to the most basic standard of care. Unfortunately, many nursing home residents die from preventable injuries caused by the facility.While nothing can make up for the loss of a loved one, Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas offer remedies for wrongful deaths. For families who have lost a loved one, it is important to know who may bring a lawsuit for wrongful death and what they may recover.

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    Wrongful Death

    According to a recent census, 13% of the population is age 65 and over. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to 20% of the population. As a result, the number of people living in nursing homes is rising as well. While many nursing homes provide its residents with the care they deserve, a surprising number fail to live up to the most basic standard of care. Unfortunately, many nursing home residents die from preventable injuries caused by the facility.

    While nothing can make up for the loss of a loved one, Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas offer remedies for wrongful deaths. For families who have lost a loved one, it is important to know who may bring a lawsuit for wrongful death and what they may recover.

     

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