When our loved ones reach a certain age, they may no longer be able to care for themselves. The decision that a long-term care facility such as a nursing home is the best choice is never an easy one. Many people find themselves in a difficult position where they don’t want to “put their parents in a home.” However, the reality of the situation is that people find it virtually impossible to balance all their responsibilities. This includes caring for their children, managing their careers, and keeping up with regular household chores. The final decision should be how is your elderly parent or grandparent going to receive the best care.
Nursing home incidents
Once we have done proper research, you want to feel confident in your decision that the nursing home will take good care of your loved one. Unfortunately, nothing is certain in life, and even the best-rated nursing home can have incidents happen. Below are some of the most common accidents in nursing homes and hospices and how they are caused.
Slip and fall accidents
This is probably the most common accident situation resulting in elderly people being injured at a nursing home. As people age, they typically lose the ability to confidently move independently, depending on various factors, including their age, any illnesses, and ailments that they are currently facing. Caregivers at nursing home facilities should be aware of all these limitations and provide appropriate aid when their patients need to move. There may be a significant lack of safety measures to prevent injuries, including inadequate lighting or not enough ramps and handlebars.
Elderly abuse
A variety of conditions can cause this unfortunate situation. In some cases, it can arise from a nurse or caregiver losing their patience with a person and striking or being too physical with that person. This can result in cuts, bruising, and even broken bones. In other cases, the elderly patient can be abused via a lack of care. This can include sexual and emotional or mental abuse. Although these situations sound horrific, they are more common than we may think. It is essential to stay in good communication with your parent or grandparent to ensure that they are in good care. Some nursing home patients are opposed to being adequately fed and hydrated. Therefore malnutrition and dehydration is also a concern and the responsibility of the nursing home.
Bedsores and improper medication
Bedsores happen when a person has stayed in one position for too long. It can also arise due to improper hygiene and personal care. When patients have been neglected, they can get severe bedsores on their heels, feet, hips, back, and tailbones. The nursing home and hospice facility need to do everything they can to prevent these injuries. Medication errors can also be a concern, and some people can either receive too much, too little, or the wrong medication. Patients can suffer from injuries due to the illness the medication was meant to prevent. They can also suffer from ailments due to receiving inappropriate medications, affecting their minds and organs.
Find a nursing home injury attorney.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries while being cared for in a nursing home or hospice, you have legal options. Call The Ault Firm today at (801) 839-4411 to speak with a legal professional or schedule a case consultation.
