Nursing Home Negligence in West Virginia Takes Life

new jersey philadelphia nursing home lawyers HCR Manorcare neglectA woman in West Virginia has filed a lawsuit against the nursing home that she believed killed her family member via nursing home neglect. The suit was filed by Angela Black of West Virgina against HCR Manorcare in Kanawha Circuit Court. The wrongful death suit claims that Rose died after receiving poor care which led to malnutrition, dehydration, untreated bedsores, and infection. While there, Rose suffered mental and physical trauma, and ultimately, death.

Manorcare is a huge network of nursing homes with over 500 facilities in 32 states. The Mininno Law Office has blogged on the poor conditions and negligent care of Manor Care facilities in New Jersey for the past year. Manor Care employs about 60,000 workers nationwide and has been cited for many deficiencies, ranging from small, facility-related violations, to larger, more dangerous, care-related violations.

Negligent Care Leads to Death

Arcel Rose and his loved ones depended on HCR Manor Care to provide adequate, supportive, and attentive care in order to carry on the remainder of his life with as much comfort as possible. Instead, nursing home negligence and abuse took Rose’s life.

Malnutrition, dehydration, and bedsores/pressure ulcers are sure signs that neglect is taking place, and are totally unacceptable in a nursing home facility.

Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently a resident at a nursing home and you fear that the care they are receiving may be considered negligent or abusive, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns regarding your loved one’s future. 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.

Lawyers Can’t Reform Nursing Home Industry Alone

new jersey philadelphia attorneys nursing home abuse lawyers help reform industryThe New England Journal of Medicine published an article last month that discussed research done on the correlation between a nursing home’s inspection results and it’s risk of being sued. Not surprisingly, the more frequent the deficiencies, the more likely that facility is going to be sued for nursing home abuse or neglect.

Researchers used information gathered through programs called OSCAR (the Online Survey, Certification, and Reporting System) and MDS (Miniumum Data Set) Quality Measure Indicator Report. The OSCAR system contains all survey and certification information for any Medicare and/or Medicaid certified care facility in the U.S. The MDS system contains information on the physical and cognitive functioning of nursing home residents and is recorded on a monthly basis in order to track care processes and their effectiveness. That data is then used to grade quality of care provided by each individual home.

The study also utilized information provided by five of the nation’s largest nursing home chains regarding tort claims filed against any of their facilities within the country. All information spanned the time from 1998 to 2006.

What did the Research Say?

In that time, it seems that nursing home litigation decreased, having occurred 1.5 times for every 1,000 patients in 1998, and only .3 times for every 1,000 patients by 2006. Nursing home falls and bed sores/pressure ulcers maintained the strongest relationship with the number of claims filed against a home. So, based on this research, the stronger the frequency of falls and bedsores, the lower the quality of care and the higher the risk of civil action.

Researchers stated that while there is indeed a correlation between poor care and lawsuits, the relationship is not strong enough to allow for sole dependance on litgation to reform the nursing home industry. Other steps must be taken to ensure that our loved ones are being properly cared for once that care escapes the realm of our capabilities.

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 believe the care they are receiving could be considered abusive or negligent, contact the the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. Our team is dedicated to advocating for nursing home patient and resident safety. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Somerset County Nursing Home Cited for Bedsore Treatment Deficiencies

As NJ and PA nursing home abuse lawyers, we have a commitment to exposing nursing homes with average records and signs of abuse and neglect. Today we will examine a nursing home in Somerset County.

Greenbrook Manor Care in Somerset County, NJ Cited for Many Deficiencies

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers greenbrook manor care somersetAccording to Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare System, the Greenbrook Manor Care nursing home is an average nursing home. However, although it is considered average, we have seen that the amount and types of cited deficiencies appear to make it ripe for abuse and neglect.

Greenbrook Manor was routinely inspected on two occasions between December 2008 and November 2010. During those inspections, this long term care facility was cited for 19 separate deficiencies. This for-profit, corporately owned nursing home was cited for a variety of issues including the failure to have an abuse and neglect policy in place, failure to be free of medication errors less than 5%, failure to provide and serve food in a sanitary manner, and failure to be free of hazardous conditions.

One of the citations was for failure to prevent and properly treat bed sores and/or pressure ulcers. This, in particular, is a clear sign that the nursing home is performing in an inadequate and neglectful manner. Bed sores are extremely painful and dangerous, and can be prevented by simple preventative efforts. Prevention of bed sores is the best medicine, as they are easier to prevent than to treat. The fact that Greenbrook Manor has been cited for bed sores both during a routine inspection and based on a separate complaint inspection exposes a clear pattern of abuse and neglect at this nursing home. Family members need to be aware and protective of their loved ones in such long term facilities.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home or long term care facility, a nursing home attorney may be able to help. Our attorneys are dedicated to eradicating the disturbing trends of abuse and neglect in our nation’s nursing homes and long term care facilities.
Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation if you suspect your loved one has been a victim of abuse. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, and (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in New Grove Manor

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyersAs New Jersey and Pennsylvania nursing home abuse lawyers with a commitment to exposing long term care facilities in which signs of nursing home abuse and neglect have been found, we turn today to an Essex County nursing home. According to Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare System, New Grove Manor located in East Orange, New Jersey, has been rated a below average long term care facility. New Grove Manor was routinely inspected twice between December 2008 and November 2010. During those inspections, this for-profit, corporately owned nursing home was cited for 34 separate deficiencies. New Grove Manor has 185 long term patient beds under its care, and one of the many deficiencies cited was the failure to properly treat bed sores and pressure ulcers. They also failed to utilize proper bedsore prevention methods for bed-ridden or wheelchair-ridden patients.This is a serious sign of the abuse and neglect that can lead to potentially fatal complications in residents.

New Grove Manor was cited on two separate occasions for this same violation regarding bed sores and pressure ulcers. It is very important to prevent and treat bed sores properly, and not doing so is a clear sign of long term care facility abuse and neglect.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home or long term care facility, the first thing you should do is contact the Elder Ombudsman’s Office in your state to report the incident. They will document the complaint, and take further steps to investigate it. Your next step is to contact a nursing home abuse attorney. 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, and (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

We are dedicated to eradicating the disturbing trends of abuse and neglect in our nation’s nursing homes and long term care facilities.

Lawyers Promote Skincare As Bedsore Prevention

Studies show that bed sore prevention is easier than bed sore treatment. Therefore, as New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania attorneys specializing in nursing home abuse and neglect cases, of which bed sores are a clear sign, it is important to remind everyone of important tips to prevent them. We have previously discussed the importance of repositioning. Today we are going to focus on another important area that nursing homes must be aware of to help prevent bed sores and/or pressure ulcers from forming. Nursing homes must make sure that they take special care of patients’ skin.

Skincare Supremely Important to Bedsore Prevention

new jersey philadelphia nursing home negligence attorneys skincare bedsore preventionBoth the protection and the monitoring of the patient’s skin is imperative to prevent pressure sores from forming, and to identify their stages early before they have a chance to worsen. One of the important steps nursing homes must be taking is the proper bathing of the skin. Only mild soap and warm water should be used, and he skin should only be gently patted dry. Harsh cleansers are not necessary, nor is harsh rubbing with towels. Talcum Powder should be used on skin that is more likely to retain moisture, and dry skin should be properly moisturized. One of the most important things nursing homes must do is to properly inspect the skin of patients that are most susceptible to acquiring bed sores. These are the patients that are bed ridden or wheel chair bound.

Lastly, those patients that are prone to incontinence must be especially monitored. The nursing home must manage the incontinent patients to prevent moisture and bacterial exposure to the skin. To prevent nursing home abuse and neglect, the caregivers may have to frequently schedule assistance with urination and/or diaper changes. Also, the proper use of catheters or rectal tubes may also be needed. All of these tips should be followed by any nursing home to prevent pressure sores from forming or becoming worse. Proper skin care is one of the tools that should be implemented to prevent bed sores. As we always indicate, it is easier to prevent bed sores than treat them, so prevention is the best medicine!

Nursing Home Negligence Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is a resident at a nursing home or long term care facility and you are worried that the care they are receiving is inadequate or even abusive, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. Even if you simply have questions, you may call at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.
Let the nursing home abuse lawyers at the Mininno Law Office help you protect your loved one’s quality of life.

Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Stress Repositioning to Prevent Bed Sores

The most important thing to know about bed sores and/or pressure ulcers is that they are much easier to prevent than to treat, which is why prevention of bed sores is the best medicine. Consistent and proper care is the key to bed sore prevention. When a patient is in a nursing home or similar type of long term care facility, it is important that staff members are making sure appropriate care is utilized to prevent pressure ulcers. In fact, a care plan with input from the family would be ideal to help prevent the bed sores from occurring. It can be safely concluded that if a bedsore forms, nursing home abuse or neglect are taking place.

Repositioning is Vital for Bed Sore Prevention

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse attorneys stress repositioning prevent bedsoresFrequent changes in the patient’s positioning is supreme in the prevention of painful and potentially fatal bed sores or pressure ulcers. But repositioning offers no benefits if it’s not done properly. The nursing home caregivers must make sure that repositioning avoids stress on the skin. The nursing home staff must also make sure that vulnerable areas, such as knees, ankles, and hips are carefully placed. It is also important to regularly inspect the skin for the slightest irritation that can lead to a bed sore.

When a patient is in a nursing home with many other patients, it is imperative that family members make sure that abuse and neglect isn’t happening. One sure sign of nursing home abuse and neglect can be the acquirement or improper treatment of a bed sore. As we always indicate in our posts, you must be the advocate for your loved ones care and make sure nursing homes are doing their job with respect to your loved one!

Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

Is your loved one a resident at a nursing home? Have they acquired a bed sore? Are you fearful that the care they are receiving may be detrimental instead of life-saving? Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or if you have any questions regarding the legal rights of you and your loved one. You may also call at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Nursing Home Abuse Exposé: Manhattan View Nursing Home

Today we’ve located a nursing home in Hudson County that we feel deserves mention due to its overall below average rating by the Medicare Nursing Home Compare. This Hudson County nursing home was given only 2 out of 5 stars. This indicates that, according to Medicare’s rating system, it is a below average nursing home.
As attorneys specializing in cases where nursing home abuse and neglect is an issue, we feel that it is important to point out those nursing homes that are considered average or, in this case, below average.

Manhattan View Nursing Home Has Bad Care Record

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers expose manhattan viewThe Manhattan View Nursing Home in Union City, New Jersey is a below average facility with 127 long term care beds. This is a for profit, corporately owned nursing home as well. Between December 2008 and November 2010, this Hudson County nursing home was routinely inspected 2 times. These inspections are conducted by the New Jersey Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing. During these inspections, this nursing home was cited for 20 separate deficiencies. Manhattan View failed to store, cook, and give out food in a safe and clean way, failed to offer food within proper time intervals, failed to keep medication errors within 5%, and failed to properly prevent the spread of infection. These are just a few of the 20 deficiencies cited during these routine inspections.

It has been found that proper levels of medication and proper nutrition are very important in preventing the occurrence of bed sores and or pressure ulcers. This nursing home does not appear to have had any bed sore and/or pressure ulcer citations during this time period, but with the types of deficiencies it was cited for, bed sore development is a definite concern. Families must learn the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect that can lead to bed sores and other dangers, and they must remain ever vigilant to protect their loved ones, especially in a nursing home with a below average Medicare rating.

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 are afraid that the care they are receiving is inadequate or even abusive, 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 Philadelphia.
Let the nursing home abuse lawyers at the Mininno Law Office earn you the compensation you need and deserve.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Expose Lakewood of Voorhees

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers expose lakewood voorheesAs attorneys with expertise in the area of nursing home abuse in both New Jersey and the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, we will continue to inform, via these posts, on some of the nursing homes with average to below average records of care. We do so by researching the assessments by both the New Jersey Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing, and the Medicare Nursing Home Compare System. This system compares nursing homes across the nation and rates them from 1 – 5 stars.

Today we will discuss a Camden County nursing home that received just one star. This rating indicates that the facility provides below average care and a low quality of life. These types of homes are the most likely nursing homes in which to find victims of nursing home abuse and neglect.

Lakewood of Voorhees Rated with One Star

The Lakewood of Voorhees nursing home is a for profit facility located in Voorhees, New Jersey and has 240 long term care beds. Lakewood of Voorhees was routinely inspected 2 times between December 2008 and November 2010. During those 2 inspections, Lakewood of Voorhees was cited for 35 separate deficiencies. These include citations for failing to keep the facility free from accidents, failing to keep medication errors lower than 5%, failing to properly store/prepare and serve food to the patients, and included other medication related errors. Some of these deficiencies were widespread throughout the whole nursing home with the potential to cause more than minimal harm. These deficiencies can often lead to both nursing home abuse and neglect. Improper medicine and nutrition is not only dangerous, but can also be a factor in acquiring painful and deadly bed sores.

Lakewood of Voorhees was cited in September of 2009 for a drug regimen that fails to be free from unnecessary drugs. As always, to prevent nursing home abuse and neglect from occurring in any nursing home, vigilance is necessary from family members. Often, the patients are too vulnerable and unable to protect themselves. We must serve as advocates for the safety of our loved ones.

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 believe the care they are receiving is negligent or abusive, 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 of nursing home abuse lawyers at the Mininno Law Office earn you the compensation you need and deserve.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Expose Hudson Manor Health Care Center

As attorneys specializing in nursing home abuse cases in New Jersey and the Philadelphia area, we continue to post on some of the worse nursing homes based on both Medicare Nursing Home Compare ratings and the NJ Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing inspections. The nursing home we will discuss today is located in Secaucus, New Jersey. The Hudson Manor Health Care Center is a nursing home with 334 long term care beds. It is a for profit partner owned facility and yet it has one of the worst records of deficiencies we have come across.

Hudson Manor Health Care Center Has Awful Record

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers expose hudson manor health care centerThe Hudson Manor Health Care Center had two routine inspections between December 2008 and November 2010. During those two inspections, 67 deficiencies were cited! The types of deficiencies include failure to prevent or properly treat bed sores or pressure ulcers, failures regarding catheters to prevent UTIs, and a pattern of failing to keep the nursing home at a comfortable and safe temperature level.

A number of the deficiencies were cited both in the March 2009 inspection and during the February 2010 inspection. One repeated deficiency was the failure to prevent and/or properly treat bed sores. As we have indicated in previous posts, the failure to prevent or treat bed sores is considered nursing home abuse and neglect. It is an extremely painful ailment and can be extremely dangerous as well. Hudson Manor has been given a well below average rating and when you read the long list of serious deficiencies, it is clear to see why!

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, 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 experienced team of nursing home abuse lawyers at the Mininno Law Office earn you and your loved one the full and fair compensation you need and deserve.

Nursing Home Abuse Exposé: Oceanview Center for Rehabilitation

Today we continue our posts exposing some of the more below average nursing homes in New Jersey. As nursing home abuse lawyers, it is important that we are aware of such nursing homes and, as expert attorneys in this field, should expose long term patient centers with high numbers of deficiencies.
According to Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare system, a Medicare website feature that you can use to compare nursing homes across the United States, the average New Jersey nursing home will be cited with approximately 12 deficiencies in a 2 year period of inspections. The nursing home we will discuss today, Oceanview Center for Rehabilitation, was cited with 21 deficiencies in 2 years of routine inspections. It is a for profit center with 120 long term care beds located in Cape May County.

Oceanview Center Well Below Average

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers expose oceanview rehab centerThis for-profit, corporately owned nursing home was cited for a variety of deficiencies from November 2008 through October 2010. The citations were in a wide variety of categories including, among others, nutrition/dietary needs, living environment, and pharmaceutical responsibilities. For example, it indicated that some residents were affected by the fact that the pharmacy made medication errors of more than 5%. These errors are defined as administering the wrong drugs, administering the wrong doses, or administering drugs ate the wrong times. Medication errors can lead to many serious health issues.

Oceanview was also cited for housekeeping an maintenance issues that affected many of the patients. The facility was even cited for issues regarding patient dignity and respect. Oceanview Center for Rehab was given twice as many citations as the average nursing home in New Jersey and, in fact, was only rated with one out of five stars in the Medicare report. This rating is considered to be significantly below average. This rating should make prospective residents a bit weary of the care they would receive while residing at this facility.

Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved on is a resident at a nursing home or long term care facility, and you believe that the care they are receiving is poor, negligent, or abusive, contact the Mininno Law Office for free case evaluation, or 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 earn you the compensation you need and deserve.