Pressure sores, otherwise known as bedsores are a painful condition that can often be prevented with proper precautions.  Many victims are unable to complain about the discomfort or pain they are enduring and therefore can be an indicator of silent Illinois nursing home neglect.  Unless nursing homes are held accountable for this form of silent neglect, the disturbing rate of preventable bedsores in nursing home residents will continue to climb explains Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers.

A pressure sore or bedsore is defined as an area of injured tissue that develops when soft tissue is compressed between an external surface and a bony prominence for an extended period of time.  A resident can be affected from laying or sitting for a prolonged period of time.  The external surface can be a chair, wheelchair, bed or a different part of the body.  Pressure sores may develop in a variety of areas including the ankles, knees, head, spine, shoulders, heels, hip bone or lower back.  These painful sores are often a result of the nursing home failing to implement a plan of care explains a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney.

When the tissue dies, decay occurs as bacteria infects the tissue.  When the sore involves the decay of tissue, it is also known as gangrene, a very serious problem.  Residents suffer severe pain and a longer recovery period from other health problems.  When a bed sore shows redness, infection or inflammation, other organ systems may not function correctly.  Sepsis, lactic academia and hypotension are other common complications of this painful condition.

Illinois nursing home neglect tragically affects thousands of individuals throughout the state of Illinois.  Nursing home negligence lawyers are dedicated to providing justice to residents who have been victims.  Pressure sores can be life-threatening and every step should be taken to protect loved ones in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.

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Many pressure sores can be prevented according to Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers.  Many sores that have already formed can also be properly treated so they do not get worse.  Precautions can be taken by caregivers to help prevent bedsores.  Every resident’s individual circumstances are different, which must be taken into consideration by staff members when developing a plan of care.  Bedsores can indicate you or a loved one is a victim of Illinois nursing home neglect.

Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys offer the following precautions which nursing home staff should, but all too frequently fail to undertake:

1. The resident should be bathed properly
2. A thorough and systematic assessment should be conducted to evaluate a resident’s risk for developing a bed sore
3. Reassessments should be conducted periodically for determining risk
4. Proper nutrition and hydration should be maintained
5. The resident should be bathed properly
6. Frequent repositioning of the resident should be done to relieve pressure
7. Incontinence should be treated and assessed to prevent skin moisture from developing into a bedsore
8. Support devices should be used appropriately to relieve pressure from troublesome area
9. Lifting techniques and devices should be used when necessary to avoid shear and friction related injuries
10. When positioning residents in chairs or wheelchairs, balance, stability, pressure relief and distribution of weight should be evaluated
11. Thorough education should be given to the caregivers, resident, and family members or loved ones on preventing bedsores.

A customized plan is crucial to prevent bedsores in residents explains Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers.  Each resident has a unique set of risk factors which should be evaluated when determining the plan of care.  If you or a loved one is suffering from bedsores in a nursing home, and feel the nursing home staff members failed to properly implement a prevention plan of care, contact a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney immediately.  Bedsores can often be prevented and therefore is a warning sign that Illinois nursing home neglect is taking place.

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Sadly, Illinois nursing home neglect happens all too frequently.  Often times, family members suspect abuse yet fail to trust their instincts and investigate further.  Many nursing home residents who are victims do not report the problem.  If you visit a loved one in a nursing home and see signs of neglect or abuse, contact a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney immediately.  He or she can help identify signs of neglect and proceed legally for justice.  In this post, Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers will give indicators of neglect in nursing homes.

Indicators of physical abuse may be discoloration or bruising of the wrists, inner arms or thighs, choke marks, old and new bruises or suspiciously shaped bruises.  If your loved one has cuts, burns, scratches, unexplained bleeding or deep lacerations, it is imperative to ask questions and investigate further.  Subtle indicators of abuse are drowsiness, drooling, vacant staring or dry, cracked lips.  These subtle indicators may indicate over-medication.

The following signs may indicate Illinois nursing home neglect is taking place:

• Rapid weight loss due to dehydration or malnutrition
• Unkempt appearance such as dirty or uncut fingernails, torn clothing, or knotted hair
• Inadequate dental or personal hygiene
• Bedsores
• Signs of feces or urine on residents’ clothing and bedding
• Limited staff members or residents left unattended in hallways or bathrooms

Mental abuse is another form of neglect.  Contact a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney if you see indicators of fear, anxiety, depression, helplessness, withdrawal, non-responsiveness, anger, agitation or any hesitation to talk openly.

Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers urge family members and other loved ones of residents to take action if indicators of Illinois nursing home neglect or abuse are witnessed.  Many residents do not understand what is happening.  Residents have the right to dignified treatment and care.

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Unlike other types of accidents, falls are usually preventable with adequate and trained staff who properly care and monitor residents.  Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys have found that even if a fall is an accident, many nursing homes do not take necessary steps after the fall has taken place, a clear sign of Illinois nursing home neglect.

If a resident falls, he or she needs to be closely monitored by staff members of the nursing home.  The resident needs to be assessed by a physician or registered nurse versus an LPN or nursing assistant staff.  Close monitoring can result in diagnosing a problem related to the fall.  For example, a subdural hematoma could lead to brain swelling or death.  An assistant may not have the training to make this diagnosis.

Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers have represented clients who break a bone as the result of a fall.  Often times, the hip or knee breaks, resulting in the resident becoming bedridden or confined to a wheelchair.  When a resident loses mobility, other risk factors can develop such as bed sores or loss of muscle strength.  Fall injuries can lead to other serious consequences months after the initial incident.

Due to the serious possible repercussions of a resident falling, prevention is imperative.  Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys believe avoiding falls should be one of the primary focuses in the nursing home.  Staff members should consistently monitor the resident to determine the risks for falling along with taking interventions to reduce the risks of a fall incident.  The importance of being proactive increases if there is any change in a resident’s ability to physically function.  Assessments should be conducted by a qualified registered nurse.

If you or someone you love has suffered from a fall in a nursing home, it may be a sign of Illinois nursing home neglect.  Contact an Illinois nursing home negligence lawyer immediately.

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The New York Times recently published an article regarding antipsychotic drugs for people with dementia.  New research was reported that antipsychotics administered, even for a short period of time increases the likelihood of a resident being admitted to the hospital or death.  Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers stress the importance of knowing if a loved one in a nursing home is on an antipsychotic medication.

Many experts in the field of psychology and health believe behavioral interventions should be tried prior to using antipsychotic medication.  Maria Carrillo, director of medical and scientific affairs at the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago stated antipsychotic medication should only be used “when the behavior or the psychiatric symptoms are really out of control and causing complete distress not only for the person suffering from Alzheimer’s but for caregivers all around them.”

Antipsychotic drugs are usually given to treat a behavioral complication of dementia such as delirium.  Antipsychotic drugs given to residents in nursing homes as a means to control the resident without physician approval is one form of Illinois nursing home neglect.  Maria continued to explain the importance of working with the physician and doing follow up evaluations closely together.

The study published by the New York Times stated that around seventeen percent of patients entering nursing homes start taking an antipsychotic drug within the first 100 days.  Other interventions are desperately needed explains a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney.  Additional staffing and better training for staff can greatly reduce the need for these dangerous drugs and help prevent Illinois nursing home neglect.

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Medication errors in nursing homes are a serious situation that can result in a serious illness or even death.  We all make mistakes; however, in a nursing home, mistakes can end up costing a life.  Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers have heard many reasons and excuses as to why medication was mixed up, missed or administered incorrectly.  The following explanations are most often given when a medication error occurs:

• The staff member was new to the team
• The order was read wrong
• A problem with communication existed
• The staff member was exhausted
• The label was not clear

Medication errors are a sign of Illinois nursing home neglect and should not be tolerated.  Common errors occur when a staff member fails to give needed medication, or if he or she gives the wrong medication or wrong dosage.  Failing to give medication at the correct time is also a medication error.  Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys say failure to follow orders instructed by the resident’s physician is another common example of a medication error.

Medication errors can be the result of an understaffed nursing home, or carelessness of nursing home staff members.  Regardless of the reason, the result can be harmful or lethal to the resident.  Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers can help you seek justice if you feel a loved one has been the victim of a medication error in a nursing home.

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Burns in nursing homes are becoming a common occurrence according to Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers who have represented many victims of Illinois nursing home neglect.  As people age, skin becomes thinner and more sensitive to touch.  Many residents in nursing homes have slow reaction times to pull away from something that is to hot.  In many instances, a burn occurs because the resident does not have the ability to pull away.

A number of scenarios can take place that cause burns but most burns involve hot water in bathtubs or showers.  A staff member may be too tired, careless or lazy to check the temperature of a bath.  A resident should never be blamed for this type of burn for the responsibility lies on nursing home staff members to ensure the water is not too hot.

Water temperature over 120 degrees can cause third degree burns according to a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney. Water temperature over 140 degrees can cause serious damage in less than five seconds.  Thermal burns are also frequent due to the misuse of hot packs.  Regardless of what caused a burn, the underlying reason is Illinois nursing home neglect and should not be tolerated.

Staff members have a duty to monitor residents when taking a bath or using a hot pack.  Devices are available to help avoid burns from taking place.  For example, anti-scald devices can automatically turn water off if the temperature exceeds 120 degrees.  In past cases, burns can lead to other traumatic events such as a slip and fall or broken bones.  If a resident is injured trying to get out of a high temperature bathtub, legal action can be taken.  Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers are dedicated to protecting residents in nursing homes and should be contacted immediately if you or a loved one has been the victim of a burn accident.

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Many residents in nursing homes throughout Illinois require breathing tubes in order to remain alive.  Staff members at nursing homes are responsible for ensuring resident’s breathing tubes are functioning properly and are cleaned regularly.  A clogged breathing tube can be extremely dangerous with a possibility of leading to brain damage or death.  A clogged breathing tube can be one sign of Illinois nursing home neglect and should not be tolerated under any circumstance.

Breathing tubes are inserted into the trachea through a small cut in the neck and acts as a patient’s life support, providing oxygen to the brain.  Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers describe the following functions of a breathing tube:

• To protect the airway from aspiration due to impaired cough and gag reflexes
• To relieve mechanical airway obstruction
• To permit easy access for secretion removal
• To provide mechanical ventilation

Tracheotomy tubes have risks outside of being clogged.  Another serious complication is the risk of infection.  If tubes are not properly maintained and cleaned, an infection can develop explains a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney.  Staff members in nursing homes must use all appropriate methods and sterilization to minimize the risk of infection.
Residents require different needs when it comes to their breathing tube depending on humidity, hydration, nutrition and infection.  The nursing home has a responsibility of ensuring a clogged breathing tube never happens.

If you believe a loved one is not receiving proper care and he or she has a breathing tube, contact an Illinois nursing home negligence lawyer.  Even if a breathing tube must be cleaned or changed every hour, the nursing staff must do this.  Lack of adequate care is a sign of Illinois nursing home neglect and is unacceptable under any circumstance.

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As discussed in the previous post, federal and state regulations exist for nursing homes throughout Illinois.  Nursing home negligence lawyers use sections of the Code of Federal Regulations when representing victims of Illinois nursing home neglect.

Abuse and neglect of a resident in a nursing home is a violation of federal laws.  Abuse and neglect can take place in a physical or emotional manner.  Many federal laws exist to regulate the nursing home industry.  The following laws represent some of the sections in the Code of Federal Regulations that govern nursing homes and help prevent Illinois nursing home neglect.

• Ensure that residents do not develop pressure sores and, if a resident has pressure sores, must provide the necessary treatment and services to promote healing, prevent infection and prevent new sores from developing (42 CFR 483.25).
• Care for its residents in a manner and in an environment that promotes maintenance or enhancement of each resident’s quality of life (42 CFR 483.15).
• Provide pharmaceutical services (including procedures that assure the accurate acquiring, receiving, dispensing, and administering of all prescriptions) to meet the needs of each resident (42 CFR 483.60).
• Promote care for residents in a manner and in an environment that maintains or enhances each resident’s dignity and respect in full recognition of his or her individuality (42 CFR 483.15).
• Ensure that the resident has the right to choose activities, schedules, and health care consistent with his or her interests, assessments, and plan of care (42 CFR 483.15).
• Maintain sufficient nursing staff to provide nursing and related services to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psycho-social well-being of each resident, as determined by resident assessments and individual plans of care (42 CFR 483.30).
• Develop a comprehensive care plan for each resident that includes measurable objectives and timetables to meet the medical, nursing, mental, and psychosocial needs identified in the comprehensive assessment. The care plan must be developed within 7 days after completion of the comprehensive assessment and describe the services that are to be furnished. In addition, qualified persons must review, and if necessary revise, the care plan prepared after each assessment (42 CFR 483.20).
• Provide, if a resident is unable to carry out activities of daily living, the necessary services to maintain good nutrition, grooming, and personal and oral hygiene (42 CFR 483.25).
• Ensure that residents receive proper treatment and assistive devices to maintain vision and hearing abilities (42 CFR 483.25).
• Provide appropriate treatment and services to incontinent residents to restore as much normal bladder functioning as possible and prevent urinary tract infections and to restore as much normal bladder function as possible (42 CFR 483.25).
• Ensure that the resident receives adequate supervision and assistive devices to prevent accidents (42 CFR 483.25).
• Ensure that a resident maintains acceptable parameters of nutritional status, such as body weight and protein levels (42 CFR 483.25).
• Provide each resident with sufficient fluid intake to maintain proper hydration and health (42 CFR 483.25).
• Ensure that the medical care of each resident is supervised by a physician and must provide or arrange for the provision of physician services 24 hours a day, in case of an emergency (42 CFR 483.40).
• Provide, if a resident is unable to carry out activities of daily living, the necessary services to maintain good nutrition, grooming, and personal and oral hygiene (42 CFR 483.25).
• Be administered in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident (42 CFR 483.75).
• Maintain clinical records on each resident in accordance with accepted professional standards and practices that are complete, accurately documented, readily accessible, and systematically organized (42 CFR 483.75).
• Conduct initially (no later than 14 days after admission) and periodically (after a significant change in the resident’s physical or mental condition and, in no case, less often than once every 12 months) a comprehensive, accurate, standardized, reproducible assessment of each resident’s functional capacity (42 CFR 483.20).
• Prevent the deterioration of a resident’s ability to bathe, dress, groom, transfer and ambulate, toilet, eat, and to use speech, language or other functional communication systems (42 CFR 483.25).

Contact a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney if you think a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect.  He or she will will be knowledgeable regarding elder law and federal neglect regulations all Illinois nursing homes must comply with.

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Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers regularly represent victims of abuse and neglect.  Many cases of Illinois nursing home neglect have stemmed from a lack of regulation or oversight.  The role of regulation, inspection and licensing is crucial for all nursing homes throughout Illinois to protect our loved ones from being victims.  Neglect and abuse is rising throughout the United States and regulations are needed now more than ever.

Illinois nursing homes are licensed, regulated, inspected and certified by numerous private and public agencies, both at the federal and state level.  The jurisdictions between agencies can be separate or can overlap according to Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys.  The Illinois Department of Public Health, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Care Financing Administration and the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are a few of the main agencies responsible for enforcing regulations.

Each year the Illinois Department of Public Health receives nearly 19,000 calls leading to over 5,000 complaints being responded to by staff members.  Department surveyors conduct around 10,000 surveys which include annual licensure inspections, complain investigations and re-inspections.

In addition to inspection by the state, Illinois nursing homes are also members of national accrediting organizations like the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.  These agencies independently inspect member facilities to assess performance and help prevent Illinois nursing home neglect.

Holding nursing homes accountable to federal and state regulations can help protect our loved ones.  Contact an Illinois nursing home negligence lawyer today for more information on licensing, inspections and regulations for nursing homes throughout the state.

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