5 Warning signs of nursing home neglect - By Ted Goralski

As our population ages, more and more of us are faced with the difficult decision of placing our elderly loved ones in long term care facilities. It is never easy for families to hand of the care of their elderly to nursing homes but it is even more gut wrenching when the nursing home doesn’t uphold the promise to take care of our loved ones.  Often, nursing home residents can not communicate due to neurological impairment or dementia. It can be hard to know whether the care is adequate based on relatively short visits even if you can stop in daily.  How can we be sure that the staff is caring for our parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents? Here are a five signs you should look for in order to protect them.

1.     Sudden weight loss

Nursing homes are responsible for maintaining acceptable nutritional levels.  Weight loss may be a sign of Dehydration and Malnutrition due to the failure of the staff to  monitor food intake.  Weight loss can also be a sign of an un-diagnosed illness such as cancer, kidney disease or gastrointestinal disease.

 

2.     Bedsores, or pressure ulcers

Many nursing home residents have mobility limitations.  If they are left in bed without being moved they can develop skin breakdowns that can rapidly deteriorate.  These wounds develop most commonly on the pressure points such as heels, buttocks and shoulders. If not properly treated these wounds can become infected and even cause death. 

3.     Injuries from nursing home falls

Nursing home residents should be assessed for risk of falling.  Many elderly patients, have trouble with balance or are simply too weak.  If proper safety measures such as bed rails, skid free footwear, and seat belts are not in place, serious injury can result. Minor bruises, lacerations, or limited motion can be a sign of a fall and a warning sign that the resident is at risk for future falls.

4.     Behavioral Changes

Withdrawn elder behavior or unusual changes in behavior can be a sign of an unhealthy environment.  Changes in personal hygiene or appearance efforts or a growing lack of friendly interaction with the nursing home staff or residents may be the first signs that a nursing home resident is not receiving proper care

5.     Environmental hazards

When visiting loved ones it pays to look around and observe the environment. Poor lighting, slippery floors, unsafe mobility equipment, or unsafe furniture in the nursing home patient’s room can all be signs that the nursing home isn’t providing the proper level of care.  Cleanliness is also important and dirt, debris, and clutter are all indications that the nursing home staff are not keeping up with their duties.

Keeping a watchful eye can help to prevent injury but if injuries from bed sores, falls, abuse or neglect do occur there is legal recourse.  At the Sanders Firm we fight to protect and recover compensation for nursing home residents, and their families, when nursing homes fail to provide proper care. 

Smoking and TB - A Dangerous Duo

A Message From Senior Attorney Robert Jackson 

We have come a long way from the days of Doctors smoking Cigarettes, claiming health benefits. As we know, smoking is detrimental to health, leading to diseases from Asthma to Cancer.

Smoking puts people at higher risk of developing tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is caused by an infectious bacteria. It leads to lung problems and, in some cases, death.

The disease first attacks immune cells called macrophages in the body. Often, the macrophages win that battle and are able to ward off infection. But in people who smoke, smoke particles clog up these immune cells. The macrophages become full of toxins from cigarettes and aren't able to move as quickly as needed. That makes the bacteria more likely to evade the body's defenses.

Tuberculosis has become a cause for concern among the general population. The Centers for Disease Control have found that the number of cases in the US rose last year for the first time in nearly 25 years.

Protect yourself and loved ones from falling victim to this disease. 

Call 1.800.FAIR.PLAY for more information. The Sanders Firm cares.

A Personal Note From Partner, Ed Nitkewicz

         Advocate For Your Children!

I have been a personal injury attorney since 1992 when I was admitted to practice law in New York.  Since then, I have represented scores of people who were injured in automobile accidents, through medical negligence and from product defect. I have tried complex cases before juries  in both the Federal and State Courts of New York. Notwithstanding my resume, I was unprepared for my most important case ever: representing my own son on the Committee for Preschool Special Education for the South Huntington School District. You see, my son Edward was diagnosed with Autism in early 2001.  After he was diagnosed, I was emotionally devastated and cared little about acronyms such as IDEA, CPSE, CSE, LRE, or IEP. Instead, I wanted my son to be "all better."  I wanted to believe the speech teacher who told me that there was a little boy wrapped up inside this "shell" who just needed a little help getting out. I wanted him to have every treatment and therapy he was entitled to have as soon as he was supposed to have them. And I was angry that my poor child was developmentally disabled, angry enough to nearly alienate anyone from the education team who dared utter the word "no" to me. All parents of children diagnosed with autism or other developmental disability grapple with fear and anger over not just the disability but the overwhelming process of securing services for our children. Many parents fight with their school districts. Others sit quietly relying on the special education process to provide for their child. In almost all instances, we worry that we are not doing enough for our children.

When do I need an attorney or an advocate for my child? Hiring an advocate or attorney costs money. However, when communication has broken down between you and the district, consultation with a quality advocate or attorney can help you avoid further litigation (and the cost of it). This is often accomplished by bridging a communication impasse or by teaching you techniques to harness your emotions and to concisely ask for what you believe is most appropriate for your child's unique needs. You can always call The Sanders Firm for a consultation: 1.800.FAIR.PLAY