Nursing Home Negligence & Elderly Abuse

Failure to Prevent Falls, Bed Sores and Ulcers, or Medication Errors are too common in Hospitals and Nursing Homes

It is a terrible feeling if you think or know your family, friend or loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect. These types of things happen at Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, and even with At-Home Care Services all throughout Ohio.

Here is some information to help you find warning signs, learn more about patient rights, and what to do when nursing home neglect is suspected. 

Our firm has successfully handled a number of claims relating to the failure to appropriate monitor, evaluate and /or prevent patients from falling, or developing bed sores and decubitus ulcers. Depending upon the patient’s condition and circumstances, fall protection may need to be applied, or special precautions may need to be taken to prevent bed sores and ulcers.

Resident Rights & Facts Regarding Patient Rights in Ohio Nursing Homes

Nursing home residents have patient rights and certain protections under the law. The nursing home must list and give all new residents a copy of these rights. According to Medicare.gov

Resident rights include:

• Respect: You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.

• Services and Fees: You must be informed in writing about services and fees before you enter the nursing home.

• Money: You have the right to manage your own money or to choose someone else you trust to do this for you.

• Privacy: You have the right to privacy, and to keep and use your personal belongings and property as long as it doesn't interfere with the rights, health, or safety of others.

• Medical Care: You have the right to be informed about your medical condition, medications, and to see you own doctor. You also have the right to refuse medications and treatments.
• Cleanliness: The nursing home should provide a clean, sanitized environment, help keep patients clean, and staff should wash hands before caring for each patient. Staff should wear proper PPE when necessary. 

Some Common Types of Neglect Are:

• Fall Down Incidents
• Broken Bones or Fractures
• Unexplained Bruises, Cuts, and Injuries
• Wrongful or Unexpected Death
• Drug and Medication Errors
• Drug Overdose, Abuse & Neglect
• Bed Sores, Pressure Sores, or Decubitus Ulcers
• Malnutrition or Dehydration
• Unsafe or Unsanitary Conditions
• Exposure to too much heat resulting in heat stroke or other illness
• Verbal, Mental, or Sexual Abuse

Warning Signs:

• Weight Loss or Gain
• Other Changes in Physical or Mental Status
• Talking Less
• More or less energy or alertness
• Scrapes, Bruises, Bumps, and Scabs
• Increased Complaining 
• Other Behaviors which are unlike the patient

What to Do if You Suspect Nursing Home or Elderly Abuse or Neglect?

1. Don't wait and let patients suffer another day!
2. Monitor any changes mentally or physically
3. Take notes
4. Contact the local Health Department
5. Take photos or videos if possible
6. Contact the personal injury attorneys of Perantinides & Nolan, Co., L.P.A., by calling 330-253-5454 or email us here today.