One of the most contentious and guilt-inducing decisions that many family caregivers face is whether nursing home placement is in a loved one’s best interest. Even if a parent requires an intensive level of care and around-the-clock supervision, something that a caregiver is unable to provide single-handedly, this matter is commonly accompanied by a sense of defeat.
Making the decision to turn over the care of your mother or father to a nursing home is a tough decision. You want to know that the nursing home is run well. The Patient Advocate Group will do the appropriate OPRA requests to the State and County Departments of Health and the Licensing Agencies responsible for CNAs, nurses, physicians, dieticians, physical therapists, and other providers employed by the facilities on your short list of nursing homes. We will put together a comprehensive report to help you make the right decision.
The 2020 U.S. census revealed that over 52 million people nationwide were 65 years and older. This number, many will require physical and medical help from others at some point during their retirement years.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 10% of these individuals (5.2 million people) will likely report elder abuse or neglect while receiving care in nursing homes, assisted living centers, or rehab care facilities. The Department of Justice believes that an estimated 1 in 14 cases involving elder abuse, neglect, and mistreatment are reported.
Over 90% of all nursing homes in the United States are understaffed with insufficient nurses, nurses’ aides, and other employees to provide adequate care.
When you discover that the nursing home might be mistreating your parent or loved one, it can be devastating. Here are 95% of the most common issues that are reported in nursing homes:
Abuse in Nursing Homes
sexual assault
physical abuse
staff choking a resident
pushing/ shoving
rough physical treatment causing injuries
isolation
inappropriate use of restraints
Neglect in Nursing Homes
abandonment
leaving in soiled clothes
not brushing teeth
not showering
not doing laundry
not providing clean clothes
dehydration
malnutrition
falls
bed sores / pressure ulcxers
Malpractice in Nursing Homes
medication errors
colostomy bag errors
catheter errors
stroke mismanagement
UTI mismanagement
infection control issues
The Patient Advocate Group has experience in advocating for nursing home residents and will aggressively advocate on your behalf. If we strongly suspect abuse, neglect or malpractice, we will contact attorneys on your behalf, if possible, attorneys whom have already settled lawsuits against these same providers.
Reviewing multiple years of medical records can be a daunting but necessary task. To get a good idea how your loved one ended up in their current condition typically requires a team of professionals experienced in reviewing medical records. Nursing homes don't always perform the followup and required care necessary to keep your loved one healthy.
Most nursing homes are deficient in maintaining CPR certifications and adhering to Infection Control standards. To keep your loved one safe we leave no stone unturned.