Sepsis Tops List of Nursing Home Complaint Center Abuse Warning Signs

November 22, 2012

Sepsis tops list of Nursing Home Complaint Center abuse warning signs

The Nursing Home Complaint Center, an organization of advocates for senior citizens that aids in the report of elder abuse in nursing homes, is urging loved ones to watch for signs of abuse or neglect. The group specifically notes that sepsis, a very dangerous infection that can lead to death in some seniors, can be a sign of nursing home abuse and neglect.

Sepsis is a dangerous complication from an infection that, according to experts with Mayo Clinic, can be life-threatening. Sepsis is particularly concerning when experienced by the elderly. The complication can result from bedsores or ulcers that may develop when a nursing home resident is not properly cared for.

Symptoms of sepsis include a fever over 101.3 F or below 95 F accompanied by high heart and respiratory rates. Mottled skin and decreased urine output can be signs of a more severe version of sepsis.

Additional warning signs of nursing home abuse

Sepsis is only one of a number of signs that a resident may not be receiving the care they are entitled to at a nursing home facility. Additional warning signs include:
-Physical injuries like bruises and broken bones
-Bed sores
-Dehydration
-Malnutrition

The most frequent cause of injury for the elderly within a nursing facility is a fall. Falls can lead to broken bones and hip injuries and can happen when a facility does not have enough staff to help residents in their daily routines. In nursing homes with deficient numbers of workers, an injured resident could wait for hours before an employee is aware of the injury and able to offer assistance.

In addition to a lack of supervision resulting in falls, it can also lead to bed sores for residents who spend a long period of time in bed. As a result, depending on the severity, bed sores can be a clear indicator of neglect within in a nursing home.

Neglect can also be detected if a resident suffers from dehydration or malnutrition. Nursing home staff is expected to ensure the residents are eating and drinking properly. Dehydration and malnutrition can be serious and may lead to death.

Rights of nursing home residents

Nursing home residents are entitled to receive a high quality of care in nursing home facilities. Although many offer a positive experience for residents, some can present abusive situations.

Residents that find themselves in an abusive or neglectful nursing facility can hold those responsible for injuries accountable for their actions. Depending on the situation, the person responsible for the injury and the nursing home itself may both be liable.

Liability can result in compensation for the injured resident. This compensation may cover the cost of medical and rehabilitative expenses as well as pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one is injured by abuse or neglect in a nursing home, contact an experienced nursing home neglect injury attorney to discuss your situation and better protect your legal rights and remedies.

Article provided by Pitman, Mindas, Grossman, Lee & Moore, P.C.
Visit us at http://www.pitmanlaw.com