California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Blog

This list of nursing home neglect symptoms includes persistent infections, poor hygiene, bed sores also known as decubitus ulcers and pressure ulcers, dehydration and malnourishment. Because many signs of nursing home neglect may be dismissed as signs of old age, individuals who have made the difficult decision of placing a loved one in a nursing home should be aware of the signs which may indicate a nursing home resident is being neglected. .

In addition to malnourishment, poor hygiene and infections, there are many other nursing home neglect signs. Bedsores may indicate that a nursing home resident is being neglected, as elderly patients should be routinely turned to avoid the development of pressure sores and decubitus ulcers. Dehydration may also present itself as a sign of nursing home neglect if the nursing home staff fails to address the dietary and hydration needs of its residents. Lastly, if a resident is frequently falling in a nursing home, this may indicate that he or she is not being properly supervised by the staff.

Continue reading "Nursing Homes Routinely Have Issues With Infections, Malnourishment, Dehydration and Bed Sores says California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck" »

Dehydration occurs because there is too much water lost, not enough water taken in, or most often a combination of the two.

Diarrhea: Diarrhea is the most common reason for a person to loose excess amounts of water. A significant amount of water can be lost with each bowel movement. Worldwide, more than four million children die each year because of dehydration from diarrhea.

Vomiting: Vomiting can also be a cause of fluid loss and it is difficult for a person to replace water by drinking it if they are unable to tolerate liquids.

Sweat: The body can lose significant amounts of water when it tries to cool itself by sweating. Whether the body is hot because of the environment (for example, working in a warm environment), intense exercising in a hot environment, or because a fever is present due to an infection; the body uses a significant amount of water in the form of sweat to cool itself. Depending upon weather conditions, a brisk walk may generate up to 16 ounces of sweat (a pound of water) to allow body cooling, and that water needs to be replaced.

Diabetes: In people with diabetes, elevated blood sugar levels cause sugar to spill into the urine and water then follows, which may cause significant dehydration. For this reason, frequent urination and excessive thirst are among the early symptoms of diabetes.

Burns: Burn victims become dehydrated because the damaged skin cannot prevent fluid from seeping out of the body. Other inflammatory diseases of the skin are also associated with fluid loss.

Inability to drink fluids: The inability to drink adequately is the other potential cause of dehydration. Whether it is the lack of availability of water or the lack of strength to drink adequate amounts, this, coupled with routine or extraordinary water losses can compound the degree of dehydration.

Continue reading "What Causes Dehydration?" »

Staphylococcus is a group of bacteria that can cause a number of diseases as a result of infection of various tissues of the body. Staphylococcus is more familiarly known as Staph (pronounced "staff"). Staph-related illness can range from mild and requiring no treatment to severe and potentially fatal.

The name Staphylococcus comes from the Greek staphyle, meaning a bunch of grapes, and kokkos, meaning berry, and that is what Staph bacteria look like under the microscope, like a bunch of grapes or little round berries. (In technical terms, these are gram-positive, facultative anaerobic, usually unencapsulated cocci.)

Over 30 different types of Staphylococci can infect humans, but most infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococci can be found normally in the nose and on the skin (and less commonly in other locations) of 25%-30% of healthy adults. In the majority of cases, the bacteria do not cause disease. However, damage to the skin or other injury may allow the bacteria to overcome the natural protective mechanisms of the body, leading to infection and death says Van Nuys Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck.

When the bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs, a number of serious infections can occur. Spread of the organisms to the bloodstream is known as bacteremia or sepsis. Staphylococcal pneumonia predominantly affects people with underlying lung disease and can lead to abscess formation within the lungs. Infection of the heart valves (endocarditis) can lead to heart failure. Spread of Staphylococci to the bones can result in severe inflammation of the bones known as osteomyelitis. When Staph bacteria are present in the blood, a condition known as staphylococcal sepsis (widespread infection of the bloodstream) or staphylococcal bacteremia exists. Staphylococcal sepsis is a leading cause of shock and circulatory collapse, leading to death, in people with severe burns over large areas of the body. When untreated, Staph aureus sepsis carries a mortality (death) rate of over 80%. Although not common, Staph aureus has been reported as a cause of chorioamnionitis and neonatal sepsis in pregnancy, but group B streptococci are the most common bacterial cause of this life-threatening condition for the fetus.

Continue reading "Staph Can Cause Dangerous Infections Resulting In Death says California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck" »

The family of an 82-year-old man is suing A nursing home for wrongful death says California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect lawyer Steven Peck.

The complaint alleges that the elder died after suffering severe malnutrition and dehydration, which is a common complaint in Nursing homes.

The nursing home was severely understaffed just before the elder's death, states Peck Law Group Elder Abuse Attorney Steven Peck.

Continue reading "Nursing Home Malnutrition and Dehydration Causes Wrongful Death of Elders" »

Nursing homes, along with the rest of the long-term care sector, have a disproportionately large impact on the nation's health care and economy.

The long-term care industry is now the nation's 10th largest employer, responsible for more than 3.2 million jobs, up from 1.8 million jobs a decade ago. Long-term care facilities directly employ more than 250,000 workers in California -- with a district-by-district breakdown of their economic impact available here -- and the state has the most nursing facilities in the nation.

Some say that long-term care is overly guided by its profit motive. Altogether, there are about 15,700 nursing homes across the nation, and roughly two-thirds are for-profit. (For comparison's sake, fewer than one-third of U.S. hospitals are for-profit.)

A 2010 California Watch investigation found that hundreds of California nursing homes cut staff or reduced wages despite a 2004 state law that was intended to boost nursing home wages and increase staffing levels.

Continue reading "Nursing Homes Are Overly Guided By The Profit Motive Indicates Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Steven Peck" »

The Consumer Federation of California supports SB 558 (Simititan) because it would allow elder abuse both physical and neglect to be enforced using a preponderance of the evidence standard indicates California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck.

As the bill author noted, "It is estimated that over 132,000 elders in California are abused every year. However, for every abuse reported, research has found that at least 5 others go unreported, making the actual number of abused people much higher than the reported rate. Studies show that neglect and abuse of nursing home residents have reached epidemic proportions. A report by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services found that at least 91% of homes have been cited for health and safety deficiencies. Yet many residents who suffer neglect and abuse find it virtually impossible to seek justice in court."

This bill will strengthen protections for California's most vulnerable consumers: seniors. SB 558 (Simitian) will empower elderly adults and their advocates to pursue necessary legal protection.

Current law provides elder abuse civil cases are litigated with a higher legal standard than what is used in civil financial abuse cases: clear and convincing evidence. This bill would correct this anomaly, and give seniors and senior advocates a more appropriate, effective tool for holding elder abusers accountable.

Continue reading "Elder Abuse Standard Enforcement In California Is Moving Toward A Preponderance of The Evidence According to Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck" »

Nursing homes are unnecessarily administering powerful antipsychotic drugs to many elderly residents, including residents with dementia according to a new report by the Health and Human Services inspector general says California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect lawyer Steven Peck.

The Food and Drug Administration in 2005 mandated that drug makers issue warning labels on atypical antipsychotics, noting that the drugs--which are generally FDA-approved for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder--increase the risk of death for elderly patients with dementia. Yet when the government examined 1.4 million Medicare claims from 2007 for atypical antipsychotics for elderly nursing home residents, the government found that 88 percent of the time, the drugs were prescribed to individuals diagnosed with dementia indicates Los Angeles Elder Abuse Attorney Steven Peck.

Despite the fact that it is potentially lethal to prescribe antipsychotics to patients with dementia, there's ample evidence that some drug companies aggressively marketed their products towards such populations, putting profits before safety, says Peck.

Peck notes that a number of drug companies have been accused of illegally promoting these drugs off-label to doctors and pharmacies, including those that serve nursing home residents.

The report also faulted the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency that oversees Medicare and Medicaid, for failing to hold nursing homes accountable for unnecessary use of antipsychotic drugs. Unnecessary uses can include inadequate rationale for using the drug as well as excessive doses, excessive duration, and inadequate monitoring of patients to whom the drug was given.

The report notes that the federal government paid more than $116 million for claims that violated Medicare reimbursement criteria. These claims were only for the first half of 2007.

The inspector general recommends that CMS assess its safeguards for preventing unnecessary antipsychotic drug use in nursing homes. The agency acknowledged that better controls were needed.

Continue reading "Nursing Home Residents Are Very Often Overmedicated Says San Diego Elder Abuse Attorney Steven Peck" »

A nursing home falsified medical records to make it seem as if their family member had been checked on more than he actually was in a recent matter handled by the Peck law Group. It was also claimed that the elder victim was suffering from malnutrition and dehydration while supposedly being cared for by nursing home staff members. All of the neglect in care was due in large part to the understaffing at the facility, caused by the owner's drive for maximized profits.

Many of the most common signs of poor nursing home care were exhibited here: bedsores, malnutrition and dehydration, and understaffing. Of course, when employees attempt to falsify medical records at a facility, it becomes increasingly difficult to prove misconduct. It is often a real struggle to get at the truth in these situations, which is why it is vital to contact experienced Peck Law Group Nursing home lawyers to help if you or your loved one has been hurt by poor care at one of these facilities.

Continue reading "Falsification of Nursing Home Records Constitutes Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect" »

An estimated 400,000 people die every year due to infections in US hospitals and nursing homes, according to a new study says Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck.

Infections in nursing homes have become a leading cause of illness and death in the US, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public Health said in the study published in the May issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.

The study examined the deficiency citation records used in Medicare/Medicaid certification between 2000 and 2007. The data represented 96 percent of all US nursing home facilities, Xinhua reported.

Nearly one in seven nursing homes is cited for deficiencies in infection control practices each year, the findings showed.

There is a strong correlation between low staff levels at these nursing homes and the receipt of an infection control deficiency citation, the researchers noted.

The high number of deficiency citations suggests there was a need for infection prevention programs to protect the elderly, according to the study.

The researchers said that when faced with staff shortage, nurse aides, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses are likely to rush and may cut corners on infection control measures, such as proper hand washing. according to Elder Abuse Attorney Peck.

A number of states have already enacted laws that apply to infection prevention practices in long-term care facilities.

Continue reading "Infections In US Hospitals Are Out of Control States California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck" »

Prolonged sitting by a person in a wheelchair exposes that person to a high risk of
decubitus ulcers. Decubitus ulcers are lesions ranging from areas with "intact skin
with non-blanchable redness" (stage I) to full thickness tissue loss with exposed
bone, tendon or muscle" (stage IV) (National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel 2007).
We use the term "decubitus ulcer" rather than "pressure sore" or "pressure ulcer"
because, as explained in this article, pressure is only one of many factors leading
to formation of a lesion says Los Angeles Elder Abuse Attorney Steven Peck.

It is difficult for most people to understand the devastating consequences that
can result from decubitus ulcers. For a person who normally uses a wheelchair,
it can mean months of bed rest and hospitalization indicates San Diego

In addition, after a decubitus ulcer has healed, the skin never fully recovers.
Scarring, adhesions and tissue loss in the wake of a decubitus ulcer heighten
future risk. Finally, as a person ages, tissue and circulation gradually become
less resilient and viable.

Because of the effects of aging, the margin of safety for people using wheelchairs
narrows year by year, and the likelihood of something triggering a skin breakdown
increases. Decubitus ulcers can destroy careers, upend lifestyles, reduce
independence and lead to depression. They can ultimately lead to repeated
amputations reaching the trans-pelvic level. Septic conditions can be very
difficult to control and lead to death. Fifty percent of all admissions and 8% of
all deaths at specialized spinal cord-injury hospitals are due to decubitus
ulcers also known as pressure ulcers and bed sores.

Continue reading "Prolonged Sitting Exposes Elders and Dependant Adults to Decubitus Ulcers, Pressure Ulcers and Bedsores says Elder Abuse Lawyer Steven Peck" »

According to statistics in the State of California, elder abuse and neglect is certainly very underreported. Many institutions including assisted living and skilled nursing facilities are getting away with elder abuse and neglect says California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Steven Peck.

Clearly such unwarranted things that transpire in long term care facilities include infections, pressure ulcers also known as bed sores, dehydration, and malnutrition. Many of these items will also cause the death of a compromised elder.

Understaffing is also a major problem in these facilities and can be attributed to neglect and the lack of care causing serious personal injury.

Continue reading "Elder Abuse and Neglect Severely Underreported" »

A elder abuse suit is being filed based upon claims that a skilled nursing facility is responsible for a family member's death.

Recently, a resident elder, was admitted to a Nursing & Rehabilitation Center according to a complaint filed with the Superior Court indicates Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck.

The Elder resident suffered fractures, dehydration, infections and pneumonia while she was a resident of the nursing home, causing death, according to the suit.

The defendants failed to take reasonable steps to prevent, eliminate, and correct deficiencies and problems in resident care; failed to properly assess, for the risk of development of pressure sores and infection; failed to provide a proper mattress and bedding including protective devices and pressure relief devices; and failed to provide the elder with adequate and appropriate wound care, including timely dressing changes, so as to prevent the aggravation and deterioration of pressure sores..

Continue reading "Skilled Nursing Facility Responsible For Neglect Due to Pressure Sores, Infections, and Dehydration According to Van Nuys Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck" »

Elder Abuse and neglect is a widespread problem, and the fact that abuse of the elderly often goes unreported is particularly tragic. We must understand Elder Abuse if we are to stop it. The Causes of Elder Abuse are numerous, including:

Understaffed Nursing Homes
Underqualified Employees
Overworked Employees
Caregiver Stress
Caregiver Frustration

These can occur in even the best Nursing Homes and Elder Care Facilities. One of the keys to preventing Elder Abuse and Neglect is knowing its signs. Some of the most basic signs of Elder Abuse include says California Nursing Hoime Abuse and Neglect Attorney Steven Peck are as follows:

Unexplained injuries or bruises
Over or under medication
Visible cuts, bruises, or welts
Rapid weight loss or weight gain
Dehydration, malnutrition, and bedsores
Unsanitary living conditions
Infections
Broken bones
Sudden death

Continue reading "Elder Abuse and Neglect is An Widespread Epidemic Problems says San Diego Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck" »

Thousands of people could see extra zeroes tacked on to their settlement checks later this month after the court approved a motion to more than double the value of claims filed in the wake of the Skilled Healthcare lawsuit says California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck.

A Humboldt County jury found national nursing home chain Skilled Healthcare to be in violation of a state statute that mandates nursing homes maintain 3.2 nursing hours per patient per day. Staffing records showed the company chronically understaffed its facilities, including the five local nursing homes that Skilled Healthcare leased to Brius Healthcare last month.

Continue reading "Understaffed Nursing Homes Are Subject To Stiff Penalties Says Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck" »

Bedsores are also known as pressure sores, pressure ulcers are basically skin wounds and generally form in those areas where a person can have the least padding of muscle and fat.

These wounds arise by the pressure on the skin in contact with a bed or wheelchair and they are mighty painful. They take long time to heal and are often considered as preordination of life-threatening complications such as severe infection in your skin, blood and in your bones.

The infections that an elder or dependant adult receive from bedsores can and will cause pain and suffering and in many instances wrongful death.

Continue reading "Bed Sores, Pressure Sores aka Pressure Ulcers Are Skin Wounds says Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck" »

Elder Abuse and neglect is a widespread problem, and the fact that abuse of the elderly often goes unreported is particularly tragic. We must understand Elder Abuse if we are to stop it says San Diego Elder Abuse Lawyer Steven Peck.

The Causes of Elder Abuse are numerous, including:

* Understaffed Nursing Homes
* Underqualified Employees
* Overworked Employees
* Caregiver Stress
* Caregiver Frustration

These can occur in even the best Nursing Homes and Elder Care Facilities. One of the keys to preventing Elder Abuse and Neglect is knowing its signs. Some of the most basic signs of Elder Abuse include:

* Unexplained injuries or bruises
* Over or under medication
* Visible cuts, bruises, or welts
* Rapid weight loss or weight gain
* Dehydration, malnutrition, and bedsores
* Unsanitary living conditions
* Infections
* Broken bones
* Sudden death

Continue reading "Elder Abuse is Severely Under Reported says Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck" »