Senators Release Report On America’s Worst Nursing Homes
Federal Report on Worst Nursing Home Facilities in the Country
A federal report released on Monday named the worst nursing home facilities in the country, and the results are scary – especially for Pennsylvania and New Jersey families who have loved ones in Pennsylvania nursing homes or who are considering a Pennsylvania facility. According to the report, nine of these facilities are right here in New Jersey. U.S. Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey decided to take on the task after hearing complaints of substandard care and elderly abuse in nursing homes and were troubled by the lack of public reporting on the issue.
Some of these facilities are now part of the Special Focus Facilities program monitored by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, both of which monitor nursing home facilities with track records of abuse, substandard care, and unhygienic practices. Those facilities that do not show improvement can lose federal funding. The release of the report is significant because the facilities on these lists are normally not available to the public.
Nursing Home Abuse: What To Know And What To Look For
When it comes to the care of an elderly family member, you want to be assured that your loved one is receiving proper care in a clean and well-staffed facility. Sadly, this is not always the case. Budget issues and the desire for profit means that companies often cut costs by reducing staff and letting their buildings fall into disrepair. So how do you make sure your loved one is heading to a safe and healthy facility?
First, do some research. Reports like the one from Senators Toomey and Casey are nice but not always available. Reading reviews and talking to the families who have or had loved ones in the facility can give you a better idea of its safety and suitability. You can also tour the facility, and be on the lookout for cleanliness issues and other things that could be dangerous to residents. You can also review our Powerpoint presentations on how to select a nursing home and recognizing the signs of nursing home neglect and abuse.
What if you already have a loved one in a facility and are not sure if they are getting proper care? There are a number of red flags to be on the lookout for.
- Physical and emotional changes. If your loved one suddenly becomes depressed, withdrawn, or unlike themselves, it could be a sign of emotional abuse. In addition, signs of physical harm like bruises, bed sores and other injuries may signal that it’s time to sound the alarm.
- Staffing issues. High staff turnover, understaffing, and inadequately trained staff are also signs that a nursing home or rehab facility is not being properly run, and residents not getting the sufficient care they deserve.
- Changes in nutrition, hydration, and medication. Signs of malnourishment or dehydration are huge warning signs of elderly abuse. Also, if your loved one is not getting their medications on time or as prescribed, the staff are not caring properly for them.
- Development of bedsores, falls, and/or unexplained bruising. Bedsores, falls, unexplained bruising and other injuries are usually signs of neglect – that the nursing home and it’s staff is not doing their job as required by strict nursing home statutes and regulations.
Ultimately, trust your gut and your loved one. If you feel something is wrong or your loved one says something is wrong, don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions. It is their duty to give their elderly patients – your Mother – your Father – your loved one – proper treatment.
Have Questions Or Concerns? Contact An Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!
Do you believe that an elderly loved one is the victim of abuse in a nursing home facility in New Jersey? You need an experienced legal team on your side to advocate for your loved one and hold these substandard facilities accountable for their wrongs. Sugarman Law represents clients affected by elder and nursing home abuse throughout New Jersey including Cherry Hill, Camden, Burlington County, all Southern NJ counties, Princeton, Somerville, Manville, Bridgewater, Edison, New Brunswick, Hillsborough, Clinton, East Brunswick, South Brunswick, and Princeton. Call us toll free at 866-657-5660, or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with our staff. We have an office located at 80 East Main Street, Somerville, NJ, 08876 as well as one at 8000 Sagemore Drive, Marlton, NJ 08053.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
