CBS has today released a report - Nursing Home Abuse Increasing. The article speaks about the earlier story of Helen Love. I am not permitted to copy the article here, but i thought i would provide a link to it for my blog readers.The news article gives horrific statistics regarding nursing home abuse in the US.
You would think that in a modern world we live in that modern and informative ways of spotting neglect and abuse would prevent such horrific cases as Helen Love. However it does not.
In the UK we are in deep shock over the sheer and utter disgraceful case of Baby P. Although this blog primarily focuses on Nursing Home Abuse, cases such as baby p remind us all of the sad times we live in. It also should make us more aware and alert. We have a duty to protect the vulnerable. If you feel that any abuse or neglect is taking place then you must act before it is too late.
Report Nursing Home Abuse
Suspicious of Care Home Negligence?
What to do if you think that Nursing Home Abuse is taking place
Whether it is a care home,residential home or other organization where the elderly and vulnerable are residents Negligence and Abuse is serious and should NOT be tolerated.
Many people suffer in silence and it is up to us to speak out on their behalf. Nursing homes and care homes are supposed to adhere to regulations that are laid out for them. Such regulations are in place to ensure the well being and safety of residents.
If you suspect that a person(s) is not receiving the care that they are entitled to then you can get confidential advice
The care home should have a system in place that processes reported concerns. If you are concerned about residents well being then you should contact the care home direct. If you feel that your concerns are not being dealt with accordingly you can ask a law firm to look into things for you.
In my next posts i will discuss how you can make a claim if your loved one has suffered, similar to a personal injury claim.
Whether it is a care home,residential home or other organization where the elderly and vulnerable are residents Negligence and Abuse is serious and should NOT be tolerated.
Many people suffer in silence and it is up to us to speak out on their behalf. Nursing homes and care homes are supposed to adhere to regulations that are laid out for them. Such regulations are in place to ensure the well being and safety of residents.
If you suspect that a person(s) is not receiving the care that they are entitled to then you can get confidential advice
The care home should have a system in place that processes reported concerns. If you are concerned about residents well being then you should contact the care home direct. If you feel that your concerns are not being dealt with accordingly you can ask a law firm to look into things for you.
In my next posts i will discuss how you can make a claim if your loved one has suffered, similar to a personal injury claim.
Bed sores / Pressure sores
Decubitus Ulcers
Otherwise known as bed sores or pressure sores.
Pressure sores can either be very mild in condition (pink colouration on skin) or very serious in condition (wound that extends through to the bone).
They are usually found on the elbows, spine, tailbone, hips or feet.
If pressure sores are left untreated, over periods of time the wound increases in and goes through to the bone resulting infection. If they are left untreated and antibiotics don't work, amputation may be the only means of saving the patient's life.
If sepsis (blood poisoning) develops then amputation may not be enough and so the patient may die. So what was once a mild condition can develop into something very fatal.
What causes Bed Sores?
Pressure sores are commonly known to come from sources such as:
the friction of bed sheets
weight loss
casts braces
long periods of exposure to cold
bad nutrition
diabetes
poor hygiene
dehydration
Having determined this anyone that is not very mobile and confied to a bed or chair for long periods is at risk.
How to Prevent pressure Sores
Making sure that if anyone is confined to a bed or chair is changed position often
By using items that can help reduce pressure cause by bedsheets
Making sure the patient is eating well-balanced meals
Making sure the patient follows a good skin care routine
Otherwise known as bed sores or pressure sores.
Pressure sores can either be very mild in condition (pink colouration on skin) or very serious in condition (wound that extends through to the bone).
They are usually found on the elbows, spine, tailbone, hips or feet.
If pressure sores are left untreated, over periods of time the wound increases in and goes through to the bone resulting infection. If they are left untreated and antibiotics don't work, amputation may be the only means of saving the patient's life.
If sepsis (blood poisoning) develops then amputation may not be enough and so the patient may die. So what was once a mild condition can develop into something very fatal.
What causes Bed Sores?
Pressure sores are commonly known to come from sources such as:
the friction of bed sheets
weight loss
casts braces
long periods of exposure to cold
bad nutrition
diabetes
poor hygiene
dehydration
Having determined this anyone that is not very mobile and confied to a bed or chair for long periods is at risk.
How to Prevent pressure Sores
Making sure that if anyone is confined to a bed or chair is changed position often
By using items that can help reduce pressure cause by bedsheets
Making sure the patient is eating well-balanced meals
Making sure the patient follows a good skin care routine
Falls in nursing homes
Falls are a common issue encountered by the elderly in nursing homes. There are many ways why patients may fall in a nursing home.
The patient may not be secured properly into wheelchairs and can easily fall out.
Patients can also be left in beds without rails or safety guards to protect them from a fall.
Other factors could include hazards such as, wet floors, poor lighting, incorrect bed height and general obstacles around the care home.
If anyone suffers a fall then this can lead to lacerations, abrasions, bone fractures, disfigurement and even a head injury all of which could prove fatal to the vulnerable.
How can a fall in a nursing home be prevented ?
As with any accident it can be prevented by ensuring simple steps are taken to ensure the safety and well being of all patients.
These may include:
A risk assessment on each patient and their personal needs, focusing on any weaknesses or vulnerable areas that could make them more susceptible to falls.
Making sure all mobility and other aids are in full working order and kept in an acceptable condition.
Ensure that no obstacles restrict the movement of patients, for example, clutter that a patient my trip on resulting in a fall.
You will agree that all it takes is common sense and health and safety awareness.
The patient may not be secured properly into wheelchairs and can easily fall out.
Patients can also be left in beds without rails or safety guards to protect them from a fall.
Other factors could include hazards such as, wet floors, poor lighting, incorrect bed height and general obstacles around the care home.
If anyone suffers a fall then this can lead to lacerations, abrasions, bone fractures, disfigurement and even a head injury all of which could prove fatal to the vulnerable.
How can a fall in a nursing home be prevented ?
As with any accident it can be prevented by ensuring simple steps are taken to ensure the safety and well being of all patients.
These may include:
A risk assessment on each patient and their personal needs, focusing on any weaknesses or vulnerable areas that could make them more susceptible to falls.
Making sure all mobility and other aids are in full working order and kept in an acceptable condition.
Ensure that no obstacles restrict the movement of patients, for example, clutter that a patient my trip on resulting in a fall.
You will agree that all it takes is common sense and health and safety awareness.
What is Abuse?
There are many forms of abuse from physical to Psychological or Emotional abuse, all of which can be serious and dangerous for the victim.
What would constitute Physical abuse in a Nursing Home?
Physical abuse refers to any physical injury inflicted on an older person by someone who is caring for an elder. This can include sexual assault, food or water deprivation and inappropriate use of physical restraint.
A few things to look out for
As abuse can take place on many levels and be displayed in many forms it can seem difficult to determine the abuse that is taking place. Here are some examples of physical abuse that could take place in a care home
Bruises, black eyes and lacerations
Broken bones and fractures
Burns
Cuts, open wounds, and wounds in different stages of healing
Weight Loss
Sudden changes in behaviour
Nursing home not allowing you to see the old person on your own
Broken Glasses
Signs of restraint
Of course there are many other actions that can be regarded as care home abuse and the above is in no way to be taken as a legal guide however it is to demonstrate just how many levels such treatment can occur.
What would constitute Physical abuse in a Nursing Home?
Physical abuse refers to any physical injury inflicted on an older person by someone who is caring for an elder. This can include sexual assault, food or water deprivation and inappropriate use of physical restraint.
A few things to look out for
As abuse can take place on many levels and be displayed in many forms it can seem difficult to determine the abuse that is taking place. Here are some examples of physical abuse that could take place in a care home
Bruises, black eyes and lacerations
Broken bones and fractures
Burns
Cuts, open wounds, and wounds in different stages of healing
Weight Loss
Sudden changes in behaviour
Nursing home not allowing you to see the old person on your own
Broken Glasses
Signs of restraint
Of course there are many other actions that can be regarded as care home abuse and the above is in no way to be taken as a legal guide however it is to demonstrate just how many levels such treatment can occur.
Care Home Negligence
If a nursing home falls below a standard of acceptable care that it provides its residents then the safety and welfare of it's residents are at stake. If this happens then Care Home Negligence could be an issue.
If you suspect Nursing Home Negligence then you will have to show that neglect exists.
Some Examples Of Care Home Negligence
Failure to provide food or water or failure to prevent malnutrition or dehydration
Failure to assist in personal hygiene
Failure to provide safe, clean and decent living conditions
Failure to provide adequate treatment and services for incontinent residents
Failure to provide appropriate supervision and assisting devices to prevent accidents.
Failure to provide adequate medical care and acquire and dispense proper medications, as well as failure to ensure that residents are free from serious medication errors.
Failure to prevent a resident from developing pressure sores; or if a resident already has pressure sores, failure to provide proper treatment to promote healing.
If you suspect Nursing Home Negligence then you will have to show that neglect exists.
Some Examples Of Care Home Negligence
Failure to provide food or water or failure to prevent malnutrition or dehydration
Failure to assist in personal hygiene
Failure to provide safe, clean and decent living conditions
Failure to provide adequate treatment and services for incontinent residents
Failure to provide appropriate supervision and assisting devices to prevent accidents.
Failure to provide adequate medical care and acquire and dispense proper medications, as well as failure to ensure that residents are free from serious medication errors.
Failure to prevent a resident from developing pressure sores; or if a resident already has pressure sores, failure to provide proper treatment to promote healing.
Does Nursing Home Abuse Exist?
Yes unfortunately Nursing Home Abuse Does Exist
According to the 2007 Laing and Buisson survey there are over 420,000 people living in nursing homes, where many elderly patients are the unfortunate victims of nursing home abuse. The figures are rising and you would surprised at what levels abuse is taking place. From neglect in giving patients the proper medication to shocking cases of serious misconduct.
When you make the decision to place your loved ones in the care of others you do so with trust but unfortunately this trust can be broken and it is happening to lots of families. So much so that there are now experts set up to deal with cases of care home abuse.
According to the 2007 Laing and Buisson survey there are over 420,000 people living in nursing homes, where many elderly patients are the unfortunate victims of nursing home abuse. The figures are rising and you would surprised at what levels abuse is taking place. From neglect in giving patients the proper medication to shocking cases of serious misconduct.
When you make the decision to place your loved ones in the care of others you do so with trust but unfortunately this trust can be broken and it is happening to lots of families. So much so that there are now experts set up to deal with cases of care home abuse.
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