Physical and Chemical Restraints – Friend or Foe?Physical and Chemical Restraints Dangerous to Nursing Home Patients It is a common practice among nursing homes today to use restraints, both physical and chemical, to medically treat a patient. Not all restraints are illegal, as there are proper as well as improper uses of restraints. Restraints are…
Read MoreElder Care Facilities – Which One is Right for You? Does your loved one need more care and supervision than you can provide at home? Are you at a loss about what type of facility or home is appropriate for your Mom or Dad? This blog is dedicated to describing the different types of homes…
Read MoreYour mom and dad are getting older, and can no longer live on their own. They can still walk, talk, and are mentally and emotionally stable, but they need assistance with daily activities that most people take for granted – eating, dressing, bathing, brushing their teeth, or need help with housekeeping. Where do they go?…
Read MoreElders residing in nursing care and residential care facilities often do not receive the care you would expect. Many residents are abused or neglected. They contract illnesses, suffer from untreated wounds that become infections, and in severe cases, they may die. One of the main causes of nursing home abuse and neglect is a direct…
Read MoreThe Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, conducted a four-year study by evaluating post-acute care provided in skilled nursing facilities. An adverse event is an event that resulted in harm (prolonged nursing home stay, transfer to the hospital, permanent harm, or death). This study concluded that the majority of the adverse…
Read MoreOne of the largest nursing home chains, Extendicare Health Services, has reached a settlement with the Department of Justice following an investigation that identified many disturbing instances of substandard care including: falls, fractures, head injuries to residents, malnutrition, pressure sores and infections. In addition, the investigation found that Extendicare facilities admitted very sick residents without…
Read MoreA team of researchers from the University of Maryland and University Red Cross College of Nursing found that high turnover in leadership positions in nursing homes were more than twice as likely to be found to have survey deficiencies. Forty percent of nursing home administrators quit due to burnout. A lack of leadership in nursing…
Read MoreMotor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of 14 – 18 year olds in the United States. Almost 50% of teen drivers involved in crashes died. As parents, we are the biggest influence on our teen’s safety behind the wheel. We need to do more to take time to talk with our kids about…
Read MoreSkilled nursing facilities are suitable for residents that require 24 hour a day care and often are moderately or fully unable to care for themselves, either due to an acute condition (e.g., recovering from hip surgery) or a chronic condition (e.g., stroke victim). Skilled nursing facilities are licensed by California Department of Public Health. They…
Read MoreHospice care is not considered a type of treatment for sick patients, but rather a plan of care for terminally ill or dying patients who are assessed as having six months or less to live. However, hospice is not a death sentence and a patient’s health condition can improve such that they go off of…
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