Nursing Home Malpractice

When a person decides to live in a Nursing Home, it is an important decision because the care could be long term or short term.  As a family safety and proper medical care is essential to the quality of life for the elderly residing in a home. When making this decision, it is extremely important that you look into the history of the facility including if there are any medical malpractice suits currently active against the facility or if there were any in the past. Medical malpractice is a very serious offense that can place your loved ones in an extremely dangerous situation depending on the severity.

Types of malpractice vary from overall negligence, physical, emotional or sexual abuse, medical abuse such as abuse of medications or improper regulation of an individual’s care (such as mismanagement of medicinal necessities, etc). The types of physical abuse can differ from situation and often people do not notice the physical implications of abuse, but it is important to take notice of these signs in order to stop future abuse from happening.

Signs of Physical Abuse

• Welts
• Unusual Bruises
• Unexplainable Fractures
• Burns
• Sores, including bedsores or pressure sores
• Patches of Hair loss due to a caregiver pulling a resident’s hair
• Overmedication
• Swelling
• Change in victims mood
• Medium or Severe Sprains
• Scratches
• Bite marks

There are many noticeable signs when an individual is suffering from depression or other types of emotional distress in both young and elderly individuals alike. The National Institute of Mental Health provides information on some of these symptoms which may include:

• Fatigue or decrease in energy
• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or helplessness
• Insomnia
• Loss of interest
• Overeating or appetite loss
• Sad, anxious or feelings of emptiness
• Suicidal thoughts or tendencies

The most dangerous form of medical malpractice that can occur in a nursing home or assisted living center is misuse of medication or intentionally denying medication to an individual. While the latter seems extremely harsh and drastic, it does occur nonetheless. The overuse of these medications can lead to severe medical consequences, including death. In addition, medications are increased or added to a resident’s medical plan far too often, which is equally as dangerous as overmedicating a resident. 

An Arizona Nursing Home Advocate Attorney can assist in your legal needs involving a relative who has suffered due to issues with their medication. Preventing misuse of medication or the improper disposal is an easy task.  If Nursing home physicians, nurses, and employees can take extra steps to be watchful over residents, this may decrease the chances of misusing medication or improper dosage.  Double and triple checking labels before administrating medication can help prevent any medication errors. Aging is something we live with, and the care for a person who is aging or who may have onset of diseases should be taken care of with respect and delicacy.

Contact an Arizona Nursing Home Advocate Attorney