There may come a point when a loved one, such as an elderly parent, takes up residence at a nursing home. This is often the best way for the person to receive the around the clock medical care they require.
Unfortunately, nursing homes aren’t perfect. There are times when mistakes are made, which has the potential to cause serious injury or even death.
Here are three of the most common types of nursing home injuries:
- Bedsores: When a patient remains in bed in the same position for too long, bedsores have the tendency to develop. These are commonly found on hips, ankles and tailbones. Bedsores are often a sign that the nursing staff is not providing the appropriate level of care a patient needs.
- Falls: A fall in a nursing home can result in various injuries, such as broken bones and concussion. Since older individuals are more prone to falling, nursing home staff must remain diligent in preventing an accident.
- Medication errors: For example, if a patient takes too much of the same medication it can result in an overdose. An illness can also occur if a patient is administered the wrong medication.
If you have reason to suspect nursing home neglect, don’t hesitate to learn more. Once you discuss your concerns with the staff, you can make an informed decision as to what you should do next.
Depending on your findings, it may be time to relocate your loved one to a new nursing home. Also, don’t wait to learn more about the steps you can take to protect this person’s legal rights. You may even be able to file a negligence claim for compensation for the injuries.
