Watch for signs of neglect and abuse in nursing home care

Nursing home abuse is a chronic problem that seems never to go away completely or for long, even solely judging from the many news reports we see or read. Of course, citizens have a right to demand accountability from the homes that take our elders and our money, as well as from their government watchdog agencies. […]

Help Senior Citizens Enjoy a Safe, Happy Holiday Season

Take time during the holidays to visit elderly friends and relatives who live alone or in nursing homes. Although the holidays emphasize family, festivities and fun, many people experience increased loneliness and isolation. However, you can add some joy to their lives. Preventing Senior Loneliness During the Holidays Studies show that 60 percent of nursing […]

Short-staffed Nursing Homes Endanger Patients During the Holidays

Nursing home understaffing affects every measure of patient care. Over the holidays, the strain on the staff shows more than ever. Patients are endangered whenever nurses and orderlies skip work on holidays, weekends and unpopular late-night shifts. How Overworked Health Care Workers Affect Patient Care Health care workers have important jobs. Their skills are needed […]

Nursing Home Industry Tries to Prevent Patient Lawsuits

In September 2016, the government took a step forward by banning federally funded nursing homes from forcing residents to accept mandatory arbitration agreements. These clauses prevent patients and family members from filing lawsuits following nursing home neglect, elder abuse and severe crimes like rape and murder. However, the industry’s most powerful groups don’t want you […]

Public Comment Requested For Possible Rule Change To Arbitration Related To Nursing Homes

CMS (Medicare/Medicaid) is considering a rule change barring mandatory arbitration agreements in nursing home contracts, and has asked for public comment.  The time to comment ends September 14.  For those who do not know, as it stands today, when you admit a loved-one into a nursing home, hidden among all the paperwork is a document […]

Some tips for assessing a nursing home facility

It is important for your loved one that you spend a large amount of time researching the nursing home before choosing the one to send him or her to. Do not judge the nursing home on the basis of a guided tour or the nice furniture or attractive physical features of the facility. Visit with residents You should find […]

Signs of elder abuse or neglect

Emotional abuse may include insults, humiliation, threats, and attempts to frighten the resident; it can also be a crime of omission, as when the resident is ignored, disregarded, and/or isolated against his or her will. Neglect can consist of withholding food, water, and/or medication as well as failure to change bedding or take care of […]

Researching a nursing home ahead of time can prevent heartache later

It is vital for your family member that you spend a considerable amount of time researching the nursing home before you make a final decision.  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. Visit with residents You should […]

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