Nursing home abuse has become such a wide spread problem that some states are looking to crack down on offenders. Citing an increase in abuse of the elderly and vulnerable, some state lawmakers have advocated for adding persons convicted of elder abuse to a registry of offenders similar to the registry of sex offenders. While this new law would not increase penalties or make any new conduct criminal, it could go a long way in deterring and preventing future incidents of nursing home abuse and neglect.
Unfortunately, most states do not have such laws in place and it appears that nursing home abuse is still on the rise. That is why it is important for family members with loved ones in nursing homes to pay attention to how their relatives are being treated.
What are some signs that someone I care about is the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect?
Stay in frequent contact with any relative or loved one in a nursing home. Make time to speak with them and make sure the staff knows you are present and that you care. You presence alone could serve as a valuable deterrent to potential abuse. Furthermore, carefully watch for signs of abuse: Warning sings include bruising, unexplained falls, bed sores (also known as pressure sores or pressure ulcers) and incidents of septic shock. If your loved one is a fall risk, proper precautions should be taken. Bed sores should be a rarity and should not ever advance past stage two. Septic shock, which almost always occurs from a lack of proper sanitation, should also be a rare occurrence. If a bed sore or septic shock results in hospitalization and/or extensive treatment, you are right to have serious concerns. If you suspect abuse, contact appropriate state agencies and speak with an attorney experienced in handling such cases.
Nursing Home Negligence Lawyers in NJ and PA
The Nursing home negligence Lawyers at the Mininno Law Firm are experienced in handling nursing home neglect cases. They will fight for you! Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey or (215) 567-2380 in Pennsylvania.
First of, if you have any concerns, consult with an experienced attorney as well as appropriate state agencies. Telltale signs of nursing home abuse are the presence of bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers. Bed sores occur when a nursing home patient is left immobile in one position for too long, causing skin in sensitive areas to loose circulation. This causes tissue damage and eventually kills the skin cells. If caught early and treated properly, bed sores can be easily remedied. However, if neglected, a bed sore can progress past stage two, causing serious health problems for affected nursing home residents.
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Chad Aders, 37, was prescribed a Duragesic patch in the ER by Dr. Bryan Lilly in July of 2004. The patch contains a very potent narcotic called Fentanyl that enters the bloodstream through the skin. Dr. Lilly prescribed 75 micrograms of the drug which is well over the manufacturer’s reccomendations. Aders took the prescription to the drug store, got it filled, applied the patch as he was told, and went to bed. He was found dead in his bed the following day. His children were seven, eight, and seventeen. 
Malyia’s condition persistently worsened during the near 5 hours that she and her parents waited to be seen by a doctor. Finally, Ryan Jeffers bypassed the nurses station and pushed through the doors behind them. He approached a different nurse and asked her
#2: Avoid High Traffic Periods. It seems that because patients try to avoid spending their whole weekend in the ER, Monday is the busiest emergency room day. If you start noticing symptoms on Saturday, don’t wait until Monday to see a doctor. The delay could end up causing much harm.