As nursing home abuse lawyers, we have previously posted educational tips about the prevention and treatment of bed sores. Today we wanted to inform readers of some additional forms of nursing home abuse that often occur. Just as with bed sore prevention, there are signs that can be observed that indicate nursing home abuse.
Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes
One type of nursing home abuse that has outward signs is physical abuse. Physical abuse is occuring if bodily injury or pain results from the excessive application of physical force. The abuse can be, but is not limited to: hitting, pushing, shoving, pinching, burning, or even beating. Inappropriate use of restraints is another form of physical abuse. In fact, the use of restraints over long periods of time is not only physically abusive, but can also lead to the development of bed sores and pressure ulcers. The over use of medications, usually sedatives, and force feeding can also be considered physical abuse.
Nursing Home Abuse Red Flags
It is important that nursing home staff be fully trained in how to deal with the special needs of nursing home patients so that physical abuse does not occur. It is also important that a patient’s family be aware of the signs of abuse. Some of the more obvious signs are bruising, cuts, unexplained marks, broken bones, and a variety of injuries in various stages of healing. It is also important to listen to the patient. A resident’s report of violent behavior, such as being hit or mistreated, must be investigated. Sometimes, a nursing home patient’s sudden change in behavior can be a sign of nursing home abuse or neglect and should absolutely be investigated. Any drastic changes with no explanation must be looked into.
Sometimes, nursing home staff will actually try to hide signs of abuse by refusing access to the patient by visitors. This can cause residents to not only suffer from isolation, but also become fearful of discussing the abuse or neglect with a family member or supervisor. Any refusal by nursing home staff to allow visitor access should raise immediate red flags that are probed with the utmost scrutiny. As in all cases of nursing home abuse, the sooner it is discovered, the sooner the treatment and prevention of further abuse can take place. It is imperative to watch for the signs of physical abuse, especially in those nursing home patients that are unable to protect themselves.
Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in NJ and PA
If your loved one is a resident at a nursing home or long term care facility, and you believe they are receiving inadequate and negligent care, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.
Let the team at the Mininno Law Office work to earn you the full and fair compensation you need and deserve.
As medical malpractice lawyers, we find that those who accuse medical malpractice claims of being frivolous do not understand the extent of the damage done to people’s lives when negligent doctors make irreversible mistakes. Tort reform would only serve to harm those who are already victims of their health system, and reduce liability for those companies that, by merit of their missions, should be working for their consumers, not against them. 
One way to prevent bed sores from forming is to have a staff that is properly educated. Educational programs about bed sore and pressure ulcer prevention should be made mandatory for all levels of health care providers. They should also be made available for patient families so that they can make sure nursing home staff members are giving their loved ones the care they need and deserve. Patients who have the appropriate mental capacity should also be given instructions so that they can be advocates for their own proper care. 
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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. 
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Bed sores result from prolonged pressure that prevents proper blood flow to tissues, which, in turn, kills that tissue. The death of this tissue most often occurs when it is compressed between a bony prominence and an external surface, i.e. bed, wheelchair, or sometimes even other parts of the body. Some of the worst bed sores that occur in nursing home patients don’t even occur from those that are bed ridden as the name suggests. Prolonged sitting in a wheelchair can lead to bed sore development. It is important that nursing home staff members are equally vigilant with their nursing home patients in wheelchairs and in beds.
These surfaces typically have layers that help provide optimal immersion and comfort for the nursing home patient. These surfaces are designed to have independent zones to provide the correct pressure for each weight range. These surfaces are designed, in fact, to help aid in both the prevention and the treatment of bed sores and pressure ulcers. Redistribution of surface pressue is very important as the pressure causes the small blood vessels in the skin to collapse, which deprives the skin of oxygen and nutrients, causing them to die. Nursing homes should avoid using donut-type devices and most sheepskin products for pressure redistribution. Staff members should be aware of the need for proper surfaces. Not using the proper surface for patients is tantamount to nursing home abuse. The use of the proper pressure-redistributing surfaces along with proper repositioning may be two of the most important bed sore prevention tips that all families should be aware of and vigilant to for the well being of their loved ones. 
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