Client: Burke, Harvey & Frankowski
Copyright 2008 Burke, Harvey & Frankowski
Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect, Sepsis and Bed Sores
Birmingham, Alabama
Many individuals who are placed in nursing homes are no longer able to care for themselves. Often this includes limited ability to communicate. It is important for the loved ones of a nursing home resident to be aware of the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect and to carefully monitor the place in which your family member has been placed. At Burke, Harvey and Frankowski law firm of Birmingham Alabama, we pride ourselves on our commitment to our clients and their needs. If you suspect nursing home neglect and abuse, we will tell you what your rights are and help you find the truth.
Nursing Home Abuse
There are many common signs of nursing home abuse. Investigate any residence where you find signs such as:
� Assault/battery
� Sexual assault/battery
� Rape
� Unreasonable physical restraint
� Continual or prolonged deprivation of food and water
� Any physical or chemical restraint not authorized by a doctor
� Use of unauthorized psychotropic medication
� Over/under medicating
� Unexplained injuries
� Open cuts or wounds
� Bruises or welts
� Slapping, shoving, shaking or beating
� An older person forced to stay in his/her room
� Reports from the elder of being slapped or mistreated
Verbal and emotional abuse may also be present if the resident's self-esteem is being harmed. It is important to know the signs of possible abuse before and after you have placed your elderly loved one into someone else's care.
Neglect and Medical Issues
Your loved one is being neglected if he/she is experiencing malnutrition, dehydration, lack of assistance with personal hygiene, unsanitary conditions and infections such as sepsis and bed sores.
Sepsis � MRSA Sepsis is part of a strain of Staphylococcus aureus, staph infection. This medical condition infects wounds, the respiratory system and the urinary tract. Often, when a case of sepsis goes untreated in an elderly residential facility, the result is death because the patient is already physically weaker and has lower immunities. The development of sepsis can also be the result of untreated bed sores.
Bed Sores � Also known as decubitus ulcers or pressure ulcers, occur when a person remains in one position for a long period of time, causing undue and unrelieved pressure on certain areas of the body. This is often an indication of unsatisfactory care in an elderly residential facility when the bed sores continue to worsen instead of improve.
Common areas for these sores to appear are:
� Tailbone
� Spine
� Hips
� Heels
� Elbows
So, how do you prevent or discover nursing home abuse and neglect? Make frequent visits, not only to spend time with your loved one, but to be sure that they are in a safe and healthy environment. If you are unsure of how to find a safe and healthy location for your elderly loved one, the AARP has information on choosing the right place.
Use any resources available to you in order to be sure you are making the right decisions for your family. If you suspect nursing home neglect or abuse, contact the law offices of Burke, Harvey and Frankowski in Birmingham, Alabama today and know your rights.