Nursing Home Neglect Blog
Legal News & Updates Blawg regarding issues surrounding the quality of nursing home care and elder abuse. >> REQUEST A FREE CLAIM EVALUATION
Recent posts by the nursing home lawyers at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. regarding legal issues surrounding elder care and nursing home rights.
Nursing home abuse charges filed against employee who may have assaulted 100 patients
A troubling story about a case of nursing home abuse in Ohio highlights the importance of facilities investigating reports of suspicious behavior by their employees. Former nursing home worker John Riems has been charged with raping and assaulting a paralyzed male patient, and according to police he indicates that he may have assaulted as many as 100 patients. Former co-workers report that he was known to spend extended periods of time in residents rooms with the doors closed and was also known to have a temper and verbally abused patients.
>>INFORMATION: Nursing Home Sexual Abuse
Complete list of bad nursing homes should be made public according to U.S. Senators
In November 2007, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a list of the 54 worst nursing homes in America. The list of the poorest performing homes was pulled from a complete report containing 128 “special focus facilities,” which are subject to more frequent inspections and scrutiny by regulators due to their history of bad care. However, the government has refused to release the full list despite criticism from nursing home advocates and several U.S. Senators.
>>PRIOR POST 12/10/2007: Bad Nursing Home List
Worst nursing homes identified throughout U.S.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have released a report identifying the worst nursing homes in America. Fifty four nursing homes from 34 different states were identified as the worst facilities out of 120 homes designated as a “special focus facility.” Poor performance reviews and violations of safety standards are often an indicator that a resident may face a high risk for an injury caused by nursing home neglect.
Costs of home care for elderly is higher than previous estimates
Given problems with nursing home neglect and elder abuse which plague many facilities that provide care to the elderly, many families do whatever they can to help keep their aging relatives out of a nursing home. This not only requires “hands on” care and assistance, but also often requires significant financial assistance.
Nursing home eye care improves quality of life for residents
A study which evaluated nearly 200 residents at 17 Alabama nursing homes, found that when basic eye care is provided to elderly residents it can have a significant and positive effect on their quality of life. Unfortunately, many nursing homes and caregivers do not provide mentally or physically impaired elderly with new or upgraded glasses.
Bad nursing home care may soon result in stiffer fines and penalties
U.S. Senators indicated yesterday that they intend to introduce legislation which will provide stiffer fines for bad nursing home care and require clear ownership information when nursing homes are purchased by private equity firms. The move comes in response to recent reports about problems which often occur with the quality of nursing home care at facilities which are purchased by private investors.
Congress to investigate nursing homes owned by private investment groups
Last week two congressional committees announced that they intend to investigate nursing homes which are privately owned by investment firms and review their business practices. Private equity firms are known for reducing the quality of nursing home care by cutting costs and reducing the number of employees. In addition, because of the complex corporate structures used by many of these firms to avoid liability, concerns have been expressed that residents may be losing their ability to use nursing home lawsuits to hold ownership groups accountable for decisions which result in poor care.
>>INFORMATION: Nursing Home Lawsuits
Nursing home statistics show fewer seniors living in facilities
The latest Census data released by the U.S. government indicates that fewer seniors are living in nursing homes. There has been a steady decline in the percentage of elderly who require nursing home care since 1990, as many are opting for in-home care or assisted-living facilities. However, as 79 million baby boomers enter their 60s, these nursing home statistics could change over the next twenty years.
Nursing home neglect and abuse may increase after purchase by private investment firms
According to a report last week published by the New York Times, the risk of nursing home abuse and neglect may increase after a facility is purchased by a private investment firm. These private groups often make cutbacks to maximize revenue, even at the expense of the safety and health of residents. Residents and families can pursue financial compensation through a nursing home lawsuit, but the individual investors are often protected from personal liability for their greedy actions.
>>INFORMATION: Nursing Home Lawsuits
Poor nursing home care may be more likely for African Americans
A study published in the current issue of Health Affairs indicates that black residents of nursing homes may be more likely to receive poor care than whites. Approximately 60% of black nursing home residents in the United States are in under 10% of the facilities, and most of those facilities have previously been cited for providing substandard care which could result in bed sores, dehydration, malnutrition and other nursing home injuries.
>>INFORMATION: Nursing Home Injuries
