Nursing
Home Abuse and Neglect
Nursing
Home abuse and neglect are widespread all over America.
This is of particular concern in Alabama, where there
is little regulation of the industry by a very small enforcement
staff. Alabama nursing homes are some of the lowest staffed
in the country. There is no question that adequate staffing
is directly related to the quality of care residents receive.
This was confirmed by a recent government study. In the
summer of 2000, the Administrator of the Health Care Financing
Administration (HCFA)stated:
“…
conditions like bedsores, malnutrition and weight loss
increase when staffing falls below a certain level. Fifty-four
percent of nursing homes do not meet minimally adequate
staff levels, and 92 percent have less staff than necessary
to give optimal care.” (Source)
Common
types of Abuse and Neglect include, but are not limited
to, the following:
-
Bedsores
-
Repeated
Falls
-
Broken
Bones
-
Malnutrition
-
Dehydration
"Can
anyone help me if there has been abuse or neglect in a nursing
home?" The professionals at Sapp and Ward realize that
the safety of your loved one can be at risk if nursing home
neglect or abuse is occurring. If the problem is not solved
by immediately notifying the administration of the nursing
home, then the family representative should file a complaint
with the State of Alabama Department of Public Health. The
State Department of Public Health is Located in the RSA
Tower, 201 Montroe Street, Montgomery, Alabama, 36104; P.O.
Box 303017, Montgomery, Alabama, 36130-3017.
Sapp
and Ward can bring a civil action against nursing homes
and their individual employees who are responsible for neglect
and/or abuse in order to recover damages for medical bills,
pain and suffering, mental anguish, and in some cases, punitive
damages. Punitive damages are assessed by juries against
a defendant as an example to deter others from similar conduct.
Sapp
and Ward represents Individuals and their families who have
been harmed by nursing home neglect and abuse. We offer
a free, confidential consultation. You may contact us toll
free at (866) 616-2929. We will be glad to discuss your
potential claim.
Alabama
Nursing Home Links
-
Alabama Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators
- Alabama
Administrative Code
- Alabama
Administrative Code on Nursing Homes (The "Bluebook")
- Alabama
Administrative Code on Assisted Living Facilities
National
Nursing Home Links
- National
Citizen's Coalition for Nursing Home Reform
- ABA
- Commission on Legal Problems of the Elderly
- AARP
- How to Choose a Good Nursing Home
- SeniorScape
- Elder Care Resources
- Nursing
Home Abuse and Neglect Information Center
- National
Senior Citizens Law Center
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