As indicated in some of our previous nursing home abuse posts, the prevention and treatment of bed sores can begin with some very simple steps. This is particularly important for the nursing home patient that may have decreased mental awareness for a variety of reasons. Often, these patients are the ones that become victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. Daily plans and charts are particularly useful when dealing with nursing home patients who have a decreased mental awareness.
Tip # 12 to Prevent Nursing Home Abuse
It is particularly important for loved ones to carefully monitor the staffing of nursing home patients with decreased mental awareness. These patients can be particularly vulnerable to bed sores and pressure ulcers. These nursing home patients have a unique set of circumstances that must be taken into account by caregivers at a long term care facility. A patient with a decreased mental awareness may not have the appropriate level of sensory perception to be aware of the beginning of a pressure ulcer or bed sore. Also, these patients, even if aware, are not always able to verbalize what they are feeling, or take the necessary steps to prevent the bed sores from occurring.
Sometimes, these decreased mental abilities are due to illness or age, but they can also arise from certain medication or medication combinations. It is very important for the nursing home staff to be aware of any and all effects on the often helpless residents that live there. It is their duty to look out for patients’ needs. Without active vigilance, nursing home abuse and neglect will occur. Families should discuss their loved one’s medications and side effects. They should look for signs of decreased mental abilities from illness or medications. It is important to realize that these nursing home patients need extra care to ensure they do not acquire these painful and sometimes deadly bed sores and pressure ulcers.
Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia
If your loved one is a resident at a nursing home or long term care facility, and you’re worried that they are in danger due to inadequate, negligent, or even abusive care, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. The nursing home abuse lawyers at the Mininno Law Office are skilled in earning compensation for those who have been wronged by medical providers in nursing homes. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.