Blog: News - Page 3

In order to answer calls for change after reports of widespread abuse and neglect in nursing homes, legislation was passed by Congress in 1987 requiring nursing homes receiving Medicare or Medicaid funds to comply with certain rules regarding the quality of care. While some states have no additional laws regarding the quality of care, these …

A whistleblower is defined as a person who exposes information or activity that is deemed illegal, unethical, or incorrect within an organization, public or private. In the case of uncovering or revealing abuse or neglect in nursing homes, whistleblowers would be a welcome thing. However, that is often not the case for the nursing homes …

Nursing homes often have elderly patients, most of whom are on multiple prescription medications. When those medications go unused, either due to a change in prescription by a doctor or due to patient relocation or death, those medications have to be returned to pharmacies or properly disposed of accordingly. However, one pharmacy has been found …

Our elderly loved ones deserve the best kind of care in their final years. While some can continue to provide their own care until the end, others must rely on family members to provide that care. Many more must place their trust in the workers, nurses, and administrators of nursing homes to care for their …

Sexual abuse of elders is a situation that is not as uncommon as one may think and the statistics are grim. The National Institute of Justice conducted studies revealing that the older a victim of sexual abuse is, the less likely there is to be a conviction. Further studies indicated that among sexual abuse victims, …

Government agencies charged with overseeing the care received in nursing homes can fine those homes if violations are found. Such violations can include the cleanliness of the facility and the care that the residents receive. These fines can range from a few thousand dollars to tens or hundreds of thousands. The Commercial Appeal reports on …

With an aging population that is increasing, one thing that is needed for this population is doctors who specialize in treating the elderly. Doctors who specialize in treating those in a nursing home have increased, probably in line with the demand for such specialists. US News reports on this trend and how it may affect …

Bedrails are a safety feature often added to the beds of toddlers and to hospital beds to prevent falls from the bed onto the floor. While these are important safety features, they may also provide a death trap to patients who have altered mental status, such as those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The Chicago …

Veterans who have served our country deserve the best of care, especially in their later years. Sometimes, this care must come from the staff at a nursing home, but that does not mean that their care should be less than what they would receive at home. Unfortunately, in some cases, a person does not receive …

In the state of Florida, nursing home residents are guaranteed certain rights under Florida law. Some of these rights include the right to manage their own finances, refuse medication or treatment, the right to organize and participate in resident groups. They also have the right to participate in religious, social, and community activities as long …