It Could Have Been Avoided: Two Preventable Injuries in Nursing Homes
The concept of elder abuse in a nursing home conjures up insulting orderlies or employees who strong-arm frail seniors. And, there’s no question about it: undertrained or untrained workers and overcrowded conditions can leave the elderly vulnerable to hot-headed, abusive situations.
However, neglect can be just as dangerous as active abuse. The failure of some nursing homes or assisted-living facilities to provide adequate care for our aging loved ones leads to thousands of cases of preventable injuries and illness each year. If you believe your loved one has suffered from, or is at risk of getting injured by, nursing home negligence, contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer who will fight for your family’s rights.
Two of the most common types of nursing home “accidents,” which are often extremely preventable, are falls and infections.
Falls
Over one-third of people over the age of 65 suffer injuries from a fall every year. It’s important for a facility to recognize when a patient is particularly prone to falling and provide adequate safeguards to minimize the risk of an incident. Over half of those who are released from hospitals for fall-related injuries fall again within six months. According to the CDC, 20 percent of fall-related deaths occur in nursing homes.
Infections
Up to three million serious infections occur nursing homes throughout the US every year, according to the CDC. Some of the most common include infections of the urinary tract, diarrhea infections and staph. There are simple steps that can and should be taken constantly in all healthcare facilities and especially so in nursing home.
There’s no excuse for abusive or neglectful behavior in nursing homes or hospitals. Monitoring patients and maintaining a clean environment are basic parts of providing care. If you find that your loved one has suffered because of the negligence of their nursing home, talk to an attorney to determine your options to hold the facility responsible for its actions. .
The Sugarman Law Firm will fight to get you maximum damages if your family member has been the victim of an abusive or negligent nursing home. Call us today for a free consultation. Barry Sugarman is passionate about helping families in New Jersey and he will work tirelessly to help restore your loved one’s dignity while holding the facility responsible for its negligence.
