If you’re thinking about choosing a nursing home for an aging friend or family member, education is your best tool against abuse. Emotions run high regarding the care of a loved one. News reports about the benefits and concerns of nursing home environments often conflict
Learn which injuries are most common and when claims of negligence may apply. These matters are just as important as a facility’s staff/patient ratio, location and price.
Natural Effects of Aging, or Elder Abuse?
There are real dangers facing seniors in care centers. These may, however, be part of the everyday consequences of aging and long-term health issues, compared to when individuals were younger.
For instance, slipping and falling more often may be traced to:
- Poor muscle tone brought on by a sedentary lifestyle
- Slower reflex action, which diminishes over the years
- Light-headedness in response to medication
- Wet or slick floors that might cause falls in any age group
- Poor grounds maintenance
- Inadequate lighting
- Obstructed walkways
Some of these causes are the “fault” of age or the patient’s health condition. Some may indicate nursing home negligence. Odds are, accidents will happen to everyone. Injuries such as bone fractures, bed sores, and trauma induced during wandering are the most common results. It helps to be aware of these perpetual risks when admitting a loved one to an elder care facility.
Check out the statistics at the Center for Disease Control to give you an idea of how often others find it necessary to call a nursing home abuse attorney. Having realistic expectations makes selecting a residential care center for your loved one easier.
