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Placing a loved one in a nursing home is one of the most difficult decisions many face. As our loved one’s physical or mental condition declines, we are often faced with no alternative but to consider long term care placement. As the healthcare system in this country has changed, so have traditional nursing homes. They may even have different names - assisted living, extended care, long-term care facilities. No matter what the name, families have the right to expect their loved one will be safe and cared for by qualified professionals in a respectful, caring, loving and secure environment.
Nursing homes are big business. Last year, nursing home revenues topped $55 billion. Nearly one-quarter of the country’s nursing home beds are controlled by ten publicly traded nursing home management companies. They also own subsidiaries that provide management, dietary and other services to the nursing home industry. There are many homes that are privately-owned, either by charity related non-profit organizations or by religious organizations. Regardless of ownership, most of these homes are still managed by for-profit management companies.
It is vitally important that you spend a considerable amount of time researching the actual nursing home before you send someone you love to one. Do not judge the nursing home solely on the basis of a guided tour or the nice furniture or attractive physical features of the facility. The physical look and feel of a facility are important but what is more important is the staffing. Does the facility have enough qualified staff to meet the needs of your loved one? The reality is that many of these facilities lack the necessary staffing to meet the needs of their residents. Under-staffing, poorly trained and inexperienced staff or inadequate security can endanger the health and safety of the residents - your loved ones.
Unfortunately, due to their debilities, many residents in nursing homes are abused. These abuses can be mental, physical or sexual. Inadequate care can be a form of abuse. Though most abuse is not deliberate, some can be. Much abuse occurs due to under-staffing, unqualified staffing, lack of proper security or uncaring staff.
Diet is extremely important. A proper standard of nourishment must be provided. Adequate nourishment means nutritious meals that are in the proper portion. It also has to taste good. The quality, as well as the quantity, of the food must be within normally accepted medical standards for each resident.
Many residents have limited physical mobility and, thus, require extra help. If they are not moved or turned properly and frequently, they will develop bed sores. Residents that require medical services must receive those services as prescribed by the doctors. If nursing care is required, nursing care must be provided. Inadequate medical care is not acceptable.
As unimaginable as it is, sexual abuse occurs frequently in nursing homes. There are rapists that work in nursing homes - where you entrust your loved one to be cared for. Many residents, due to their debilities, do not have adequate capabilities to resist and fight back. They become easy targets. This is criminal. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. This has to be stopped, and the nursing home administration must be held accountable.
Protect Your Loved Ones In These Homes. If You Have Any Doubt About Their Safety, - Look Into It IMMEDIATELY!
What to do if you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home neglect.
Nursing home neglect cases are accepted on a contingency basis. You only pay us when we recover compensation on your behalf.
