nursing home neglect

Published on: May 20, 2024

Feds Target Overuse of Antipsychotic Drugs in Nursing Homes

Medicare warnings to nursing homes that are believed to engage in the overuse of antipsychotic drugs among their residents can help reduce these dangerous practices.

Some of the common medications that can be used on nursing home residents include quetiapine which is often used to help treat symptoms of anxiety, hallucinations and delusions among persons suffering from dementia. Research suggests that as many as one in every 7 nursing home residents is prescribed the drug. While the drug can be helpful in controlling the symptoms, it is not without its side effects which include kidney injury, heart failure and an increased risk of strokes and blood clots. According to one study, long term use of quetiapine is associated with a 62% increased risk in kidney damage and a 27% increase in heart failure risks. These residents may also have a 65% increased risk of suffering a stroke. Bone fractures are also another huge risk with an estimated 43% increased risk among patients on quetiapine.

Officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are currently investigating an increase in the use of antipsychotic medications at some nursing home facilities across the country. As part of the investigation, the agency found that more than 5,000 doctors were aggressively prescribing medications to patients at several facilities. More than 80,000 patients were receiving these medications.

Published on: October 10, 2023

Poor Dental Care Affects Health of Nursing Home Residents

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

Poor dental health, including bleeding gums and cavities have long been known to be a risk factor for general health. A new study finds that far too many residents of nursing homes in Georgia and across the country suffer from poor dental care that also risks their health.

Good oral hygiene and health is essential not just for the average person but also, and especially so, for the elderly. Gum infections, for instance, can cause germs from the infection to travel into the person’s blood stream. It is well documented that the transmission of these germs in the bloodstream can cause heart disease and also increase the risk for other conditions. Additionally, cavities and other types of conditions can make it difficult for a person to chew food properly, placing him at risk of malnutrition. This can have serious consequences in the case of an elderly person.

The study was conducted by dental officers at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. As part of the study, the researchers focused on the oral health of elderly residents at nursing homes certified with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. According to the study, as many as 20% of all elderly nursing home residents suffer from missing teeth. While missing teeth or missing tooth fragments was the most widely reported oral health condition, many residents also reported pain and difficulty while chewing, teeth cavities, and broken teeth. The study found that 8% suffered from cavities while 11% reported pain while chewing. Other common problems included damaged or broken dentures and gum infections, typically accompanied by bleeding and inflammation.

Published on: August 25, 2023

Nursing Homes Used Low Levels of Covid-19 Medications, Potential of Malpractice Claims

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

Even though the elderly are at risk of major complications from Covid- 19, most nursing homes around the country used alarmingly low levels of antiviral drugs that are proven to fight symptoms of the deadly disease on their residents, during the pandemic. The failure to use appropriate medications could lead to a larger number of malpractice claims.

While the Covid- 19 pandemic ravaged large portions of the metro Atlanta region, especially in the above-65 age category, efforts were made to deliver more life- saving antiviral medications to these sections of the population. Use of the antiviral drugs was higher in nursing homes than in the general community. However, a new study finds that a large number of nursing homes administered very low levels of the drugs.

In fact, shockingly, the study found that as many as 40% of nursing homes did not use antiviral drugs as of the end of 2022. The use of antiviral drugs in these facilities was low even as the pandemic gathered steam, and continued to remain low even after the medications were approved as oral drugs. In fact, according to the researchers, residents with Covid- 19 in only about 18% of the nursing homes were treated with antiviral medications.

Published on: July 3, 2023

Study Finds Race-Based Differences in Nursing Home Data on Fall Accidents, Bedsores

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

A study published recently finds race -based differences in how nursing homes report fall accidents and pressure ulcers involving residents on their premises. These differences could make it difficult for families of elderly persons looking for reliable nursing homes for their loved ones.

The results of the study were published recently in the JAMA journal. The researchers set out to compare nursing home characteristics with the reporting of bed sores -also known as pressure ulcers – and fall accidents in specific nursing homes. The researchers found to their dismay that the federal website that contains information about specific accidents and injuries in nursing homes actually underreports data on fall accidents and pressure ulcers.

Much of the difference in the reporting also seems to be based on race. Nursing homes that have predominantly white residents are much more likely to report high numbers of fall accidents compared to pressure ulcers, and are also much more likely to report fall accidents more accurately. Similarly, nursing homes with majority black residents are much more likely to report a higher incidence of pressure ulcers compared to fall accidents. Predominantly black facilities are more likely to report pressure ulcers more accurately. Overall, the researchers say the better your reporting on fall accidents, the lesser your likelihood of reporting bed sores.

Published on: June 11, 2011

Focus on Elder Abuse Prevention In Georgia Today

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

This week, elder safety groups and Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyers mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.The Georgia Department of Human Services is asking all people to wear purple on Wednesday to raise awareness about elder abuse.

This week, family health agencies and elder safety groups in Georgia are asking all citizens to look out for signs of elder abuse.

Signs of physical abuse of elders are easy to detect.

Published on: December 23, 2009

Nursing Home Resident Indicted in Roommate’s Murder: Was Neglect Involved?

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

An unusual murder at a nursing home in Massachusetts is grabbing the interest of nursing home attorneys around the country. Does the murder of a 100-year-old patient at an elder care facility by her 98-year-old roommate qualify as grounds for neglect by staff?

The incident occurred at a nursing home in Massachusetts. The victim, Elizabeth Barrow and was found strangulated in her bed in September this year. Indicted in her death is Barrow’s roommate, 98-year-old Laura Lundquist. Lundquist will likely not stand trial, and has been ordered by a judge to undergo a competency evaluation.

According to the victim’s son, Scot Barrow, his mother had told him that she had been frequently threatened and harassed by Lundquist. Scott was concerned enough about these threats to bring them to the notice of the nursing home authorities. However, his concerns were shot down by staff who said that the roommates got along just fine.