Category: Nursing Home Abuse
Abuse happens to the most vulnerable among us. That holds true for children and for seniors. The seniors who are living in any of the 650 Pennsylvania nursing homes are solely dependent on the staff at those facilities for their care. The reason someone makes the transition to a nursing home is so that their medical, nutritional, and daily needs can be attended to. Unfortunately, sometimes the staff is overworked or undertrained. There might also be facilities that experience a shortage of staff. While management struggles with those[...]
What Are the Implications of Medication Errors in Nursing Homes?
The majority of Philadelphia nursing homes utilize Medicare and Medicaid to supplement resident payments. Because of that, these facilities are subjected to regular inspections. Most of Philly’s 57 licensed nursing homes receive high ratings. Holy Family Home, Philadelphia Protestant Home, and Willowcrest are among the most highly regarded. Unfortunately, not every nursing home earns rave reviews. There are several long-term care facilities that do not live up to their obligations. A common problem is with medication errors. These errors can trigger adverse drug reactions, unexpected hospitalizations, and cognitive[...]
Who Oversees Nursing Homes in Pennsylvania?
The main reason a family transitions a loved one into a nursing home is to provide that person with around-the-clock care. That means there will always be someone who is just the “push of a call button” away from responding to a resident. In addition to medical support, nursing homes are also set up to provide nutritious meals, prescribed physical therapy, and socialization opportunities. According to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s official website, there are over 80,000 residents living in 700 nursing homes across the state. Each of those[...]
Nursing Home Resident Rights in Pennsylvania
When you book a hotel room for a vacation or business trip, your reservation is a kind of contract. In exchange for the fee for the room, you will be given a place to stay that is based on what the hotel describes as the room. However, there is no guarantee that the room will be up to your standards of comfort. It might not be as clean as you like, or there could be problems with the heat or AC. Living in a nursing home is quite[...]
Seven Tips On How To Get the Most Out of Your Nursing Home Visit
Although it can be emotionally challenging to help a loved one transition into long-term care, ultimately, it provides a great sense of relief. Your loved one will now have around-the-clock care. They will have their meals prepared for them and their medications administered. They will also have an opportunity to socialize with their fellow residents. All of this is good, and best of all, you can check in with your loved ones through regular visits. Even though the nursing home staff will support your loved one, you are[...]
The Different Stages of Bedsores
In the healthcare industry, particularly in long-term care facilities and hospitals, one of the most prevalent challenges is the development of bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers. These painful wounds result from prolonged pressure on the skin, often in individuals who are bedridden or have limited mobility. They can also be a common warning sign for negligence or medical malpractice in nursing homes and other eldercare facilities. Understanding the stages of bedsores is essential for healthcare professionals and caregivers to provide timely interventions and prevent further complications. Understanding[...]
Is Video Surveillance of Nursing Home Residents Legal in PA?
Like many other states, Pennsylvania has laws and regulations to protect people's privacy, especially when it comes to places like nursing homes where residents may need extra care. If you or a loved one resides in a nursing home, you may have wondered: is video surveillance of nursing home residents legal in PA? Privacy is an important aspect of all our lives, including those living in nursing homes. Pennsylvania recognizes this, and there are rules in place to protect the privacy of residents at assisted living facilities. What[...]
What Drives the High Prices of Assisted Living Facilities?
Are you worried that your parents or grandparents will have to exhaust their assets to the point of poverty so that Medicare will kick in and begin covering necessary care? Or maybe you thought an assisted living facility would be a more affordable option, only to discover plenty of hidden fees lurking right below the surface. Let’s explore what drives the high prices of assisted living facilities and the possible negative ramifications of continued price gouging of our elderly. (more…)
Who Can Report Nursing Home Abuse?
It’s estimated that up to 5 million elders are abused in the United States every year. And perhaps the most disturbing fact is that we have no idea how much higher the actual numbers may be—as many as 23 in 24 cases of elder abuse never get reported at all. If we don’t know that elder abuse is happening, we are powerless to stop it. It’s less of a question of who can report nursing home abuse and more about when and how to do it. (more…)
Should You Rely on Government Ratings When Choosing a Nursing Home?
Nursing home ratings can be a good starting point if you’re searching for a long-term care facility for yourself or a loved one. But should you rely on government ratings when choosing a nursing home? We recommend taking these ratings into consideration, but doing more outside research and in-person visiting before you make a final choice. (more…)
