Blog - Page 3

The Center for Medicare Services (CMS) has a rating system that they use to help people decide upon the best nursing homes for their loved ones. Ratings from 1 to 5 stars are given based upon certain criteria, which includes inspections and reports of abuse or neglect. This might seem like a good sy...

Websites like the Centers for Medicare Services nursing home rating website previously relied on self-reported staffing levels for their rating. In accordance with the Affordable Care Act of 2007, CMS is supposed to use payroll proof to render their ratings. However, this has been slow to occur, par...

In some jurisdictions, state prosecutors are limited in being able to prosecute nursing homes. In some areas, they are only able to prosecute neglect, and then only when actual physical injuries can be proven. In other jurisdictions, state and local prosecutors have special teams set up to prosecute...

When we hear of someone being charged with the crime of elder abuse, it might conjure images of residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and those who are charged with their care. It might also conjure thoughts of a family member abusing or neglecting their elderly relatives. Dependin...

Exploitation of an elderly adult is a kind of elder abuse that has been making headlines recently. From taking pictures of elderly patients in various stages of undress, or in embarrassing situations, to financial exploitation, this is a crime that may either be a felony or a misdemeanor in the stat...

Those who have served our country deserve the best of care, particularly those who are disabled and are in the later years of their lives. The Veteran’s Administration provides care for many of these people who reside in VA nursing homes across the country. When investigative articles in USA Today a...

Quitting smoking is difficult, even for those who are suffering from lung disease and require oxygen. It goes without saying that oxygen and an open flame don’t mix and combining the two can lead to explosions and burn injuries. Still, some nursing homes allow patients to continue to smoke with supe...

A great majority of the elderly and disabled would love to live independently. However, the barriers to accomplishing this can be beyond their means. Some require wheelchair ramps and hospital beds as well as other accommodations. These modifications to homes and apartments can cost a great deal, pu...

Opioids are a class of drugs that are typically prescribed to relieve pain. These drugs come with names like Vicodin, Oxycodone, Oxycontin, and Fentanyl patches. While these drugs may be needed for a short time to relieve pain from an injury or surgery, they can be highly addictive. Overprescribing ...

Pressure ulcers are a common concern in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Also known as pressure ulcers, these sores are caused by being in one position for too long and having the constant pressure of a bed or a chair pressed against the flesh. Bed sores are often rated on a scale ...