Growing older holds a lot of fear for many people. One of the most frightening is being place in a long term care facility by doctors or family. Many times the placement can be temporary but for many it is a permanent situation. When cognitive issues arise there is always the fear that a loved one could wander off and get lost or hurt. Other times the level of care needed cannot be reasonably met by family members and placement is necessary. When a chosen facility does not provide adequate care it may become necessary to file a nursing home negligence suit to protect patients in residence.
In Hammond, LA there are several homes to choose from and researching the company is always a smart decision. Internet information can answer many of the concerns you may have such as inspection scores and prior legal actions taken by individuals or families. Nothing can take the place of first hand viewing of the facility and arriving without notice.
Being negligent is another way of abusing the patients in the facility. It can take many forms and may include poor housekeeping practices leaving the patients in dirty beds or clothing, lack of proper medication distribution or a lack of attention to the hydration and nutritional needs of the patients in residence.
Many time patients are afraid to report these behaviors for fear of reprisals from staff. Others are not capable of reporting them because they are confused or cannot speak. Family members need to be vigilant every time they visit for signs of negligent abuses.
A sudden loss of weight, unexplained bruising, urinary tract infections from dehydration, sudden, unexplained illness caused by medications not being dispensed or being given the wrong medications, clothing dirty, lost or stolen. All of these things should alert family to conditions that are harmful to patients.
Lack of properly trained staff or hiring too few people to handle the number of patients is generally the main cause of neglect. There are occasions when a staff member physically abuses patients by hitting or pinching as punishment for unwanted behaviors. Other punishments include withholding food, water or medications. If you suspect any of these things it is imperative that you report them to the authorities and make arrangements to move your loved one immediately.
As a patient in one of these facilities you have the right to receive the very best care available. Management is obligated to provide adequately trained staff and in numbers that are able to easily meet the needs of all patients. They must supply supervision for memory impaired persons and enough time with those confined to a bed to assure they are fed, clean and do not become afflicted with bed sores. Activities intended to improve and sustain daily functional independence need to be made available to all residents of the facility.
As a private citizen you have the right to expect proper care of family members in care facilities. If you feel there is neglect or abuse you may wish to move them to another site and contact an attorney with information that includes photographs and written documentation as examples and proof of your concerns.
In Hammond, LA there are several homes to choose from and researching the company is always a smart decision. Internet information can answer many of the concerns you may have such as inspection scores and prior legal actions taken by individuals or families. Nothing can take the place of first hand viewing of the facility and arriving without notice.
Being negligent is another way of abusing the patients in the facility. It can take many forms and may include poor housekeeping practices leaving the patients in dirty beds or clothing, lack of proper medication distribution or a lack of attention to the hydration and nutritional needs of the patients in residence.
Many time patients are afraid to report these behaviors for fear of reprisals from staff. Others are not capable of reporting them because they are confused or cannot speak. Family members need to be vigilant every time they visit for signs of negligent abuses.
A sudden loss of weight, unexplained bruising, urinary tract infections from dehydration, sudden, unexplained illness caused by medications not being dispensed or being given the wrong medications, clothing dirty, lost or stolen. All of these things should alert family to conditions that are harmful to patients.
Lack of properly trained staff or hiring too few people to handle the number of patients is generally the main cause of neglect. There are occasions when a staff member physically abuses patients by hitting or pinching as punishment for unwanted behaviors. Other punishments include withholding food, water or medications. If you suspect any of these things it is imperative that you report them to the authorities and make arrangements to move your loved one immediately.
As a patient in one of these facilities you have the right to receive the very best care available. Management is obligated to provide adequately trained staff and in numbers that are able to easily meet the needs of all patients. They must supply supervision for memory impaired persons and enough time with those confined to a bed to assure they are fed, clean and do not become afflicted with bed sores. Activities intended to improve and sustain daily functional independence need to be made available to all residents of the facility.
As a private citizen you have the right to expect proper care of family members in care facilities. If you feel there is neglect or abuse you may wish to move them to another site and contact an attorney with information that includes photographs and written documentation as examples and proof of your concerns.
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