This is a valid and common concern for many family members who suspect that a loved one, i.e., mother, father, grandparent or sibling, is being neglected or abused in a Pennsylvania nursing home. You should talk to the administrator of the nursing home to raise your concerns about the increasing amount of bed sores your mother has. The Federal Nursing Home Reform Act creates a set of minimum standards of care for people living in nursing homes. The Act also lays out the rights of nursing home residents. One of those rights is being able to voice a grievance without retaliation. Further, by law, the nursing home administrator has to address and investigate your concerns. To learn more about nursing home residents’ rights under the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act, see Suspect Abuse/Neglect in a Pennsylvania Nursing Home? Here’s What You Should Do.
Sometimes, however, family members who voice abuse/neglect complaints to the administrator do not feel that they are getting any answers. They may also then file a report with Pennsylvania’s Ombudsman’s office. Each county has a local Ombudsman’s office, and you can contact the local Ombudsman’s office to make a complaint. Click here to find a local Ombudsman’s office in Pennsylvania. After you call, a state investigation will begin.
An increased amount of bedsores may be a result of the nursing home being understaffed. Many nursing homes across the United States are understaffed. As a result, some of the care that patients need may not be met. Many elderly patients cannot move and need to be repositioned, to avoid developing bedsores.
You should talk to your mother about the care she is receiving and how often she is receiving it. Other warning signs of abuse or neglect may include:
- unexplained bruises, marks and cuts on the body,
- frequent accidents and injuries, such as broken bones,
- rapid weight loss,
- increased agitation or distress, and/or
- depression or withdrawal.
Unfortunately, trying to get an answer from the home administrator or the local Ombudsman’s office may take some time and is often frustrating. It is best to seek advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer who has handled nursing home abuse and neglect cases. An experienced nursing home abuse/neglect lawyer can guide you through the process and also help your mother recover the financial compensation she is entitled to if there has been neglect or abuse.
If you would like to talk to a lawyer about your concerns, feel free to call our office to schedule a FREE, no obligation legal consultation. (215) 985-0777
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