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A report released by Congress recently reported that nearly a third of the nursing homes in the United States have been cited for abuse. Consider that for a minute: if you put your loved ones in a nursing home, there is a strong chance that they could be in a home in which its residents are being harmed. Nursing home maltreatment can take many forms. Abuse can be physical abuse such as assault, sexual abuse, unnecessary restraint, deprivation of food, and not properly administering medicine; physical neglect such as ignoring the essential needs of living, failure to take care of basic hygiene, not providing enough nourishment and shelter, filthy conditions, and not providing required medical services; and verbal or emotion abuse. Even if you do not see the abuse, it does not mean it isn't happening. Nursing home residents have very specific rights established by the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987. Among others, these rights include: 1. Residents have the right to be fully informed with regard to services and charges. There shouldn't be any surprises.
2. Residents have the ability to make their own decisions, including the right to accept and decline care.
3. Residents can decide how they spend their time and choose the clothing they wear.
4. Residents have the right to be treated with honor and respect; to be free from abuse and involuntary restraint.
5. Residents have the right to feel secure with their possessions. Nursing home representatives have no claim to resident property.
6. Residents have the right to state their opinions without fear of retaliation. Although there is more to be considered, the overall idea is that nursing home residents have the right to be respected and treated properly. How do you know if your grandparents are safe and have their rights protected? This list can keep you in the know. 1. Talk to the staff at the nursing home including administrators, doctors, nurses and aids. Meet who is going to be taking care ofyour family member and make it clear that you expect top notch care.
2. Visit often. Surprise visits can show a nursing home's true colors. Mix up the times you visit, some days in the mornings, as well as different times at night, during the week and on the weekend.
3. If you have reason to believe that your loved on is being mistreated, you should contact your state's nursing home Licensing and Certification division. Licensing and Certification is required to investigate, and if the allegations are determined to be true, the nursing home will be fined and required to correct the problem. This issue can directly affect you even if you do not have loved ones in a nursing home.43% of all Americans over 65 years old will live in a nursing home according to The United States General Accounting Office. So there is a very high chance that YOU could be dealing with these issues yourself some day. The more you know about your legal rights, the better positioned you will be to ensure you receive the best attention for yourself and your loved ones. Bisnar & Chase, a Los Angeles personal injury attorney, specializes in helping those who have been mistreated, including nursing home residents. For arrange a free consultation, visit www.los-angeles-personal-injury-lawyer.com.
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