“The nursing home system is in crisis in the United States!”
The aging boomer population, the nationwide nursing shortage, the coronavirus pandemic, and the continued consolidation of the industry into the hands of a few nationwide for-profit nursing home operators has left our most vulnerable older adults facing unprecedented risk of neglect and abuse.
Nationwide, about 1.3 million older adults reside in 26,000 nursing homes or long-term care facilities. Thousands more live in assisted-living facilities or retirement communities as the U.S. population continues to age.
That number is expected to increase to 30 million in the coming years, as an estimated 70 percent of the population seek long-term care options. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 70 percent of these facilities are being operated as for-profit corporations. Meanwhile, the Center for Medicare Advocacy reports for-profit nursing homes are consistently found to have lower levels of staffing, a lower level of care, a higher number of deficiencies and poorer outcomes, compared to the dwindling number of facilities operated as non-profit.
Meanwhile, the industry cited COVID as a driver of $34 billion in revenue losses and the closing of a record 1,800 facilities, according to the American Health Care Association. The industry reports 94 percent of nursing facilities are unable to provide a staffing ratio of 4:1 as it continues to lobby against staffing mandates; it lobbied for federal funding throughout the pandemic amid what it claimed was a shortage of nearly 200,000 nurses and nursing aides.
Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
Visitors to most nursing homes and assisted-living facilities are the only line of defense for our most vulnerable older adults. The rule, “If you see something, say something,” is vital to ensuring senior residents can live out their days with the peace and dignity they deserve.
Seeking the advice of a nursing home neglect lawyer in Denver can not only help ensure your loved one does not continue to be victimized, it can help many residents who have no one to voice concerns on their behalf.
Many residents are dealing with chronic health conditions, including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. But the fact remains that we make the difficult decision to place loved ones in a professional care environment precisely because they need such care to prevent avoidable accidents and injuries.
Common signs of neglect or abuse
Still, the number of nursing home neglect and abuse cases in Colorado continues to rise. Common signs of neglect or abuse include:
- Fall injuries: Falls are the most common cause of accidental disability and death among older adults. Poor supervision, lack of proper equipment, and medication interactions are among the most common causes.
- Weight loss: Poor diet and inadequate access to medical care can result in notable weight loss.
- Bruising: Whether the result of falls or other causes, frequent bruises can indicate unintentional injury or abuse, whether by a staff member or other resident.
- Bedsores: Bed sores are not an unavoidable consequence of immobility. They are most often caused by unsanitary bedding, poor staffing, and lack of proper medical care. Left untreated, they can become life threatening.
- Fear: Anxiety can be a common consequence of aging. But it can also indicate side effects of medication or environmental factors such as abuse.
- Sanitation: Dirty and unkept residents, overpowering smells, and unkept rooms and common areas can be signs of poor staffing or indifference.
- Staffing: Few staff members or staff members who appear overworked and unhappy can be signs that a facility is not keeping up with demands.
- Inactivity: Are events planned? Are common rooms well lit, clean and well attended? Inactivity, few planned events, and depressed residents are signs that the facility is not engaging residents.
Nursing Home Negligence Attorney in Denver
While facility improvements can be welcome, fresh paint or other signs of sudden improvements, particularly around the holidays, can be warning signs. Make an effort to visit at different times of the year and different times of the day or week. Take the time to listen to residents.
If you see something, say something.
FIEDLER Trial Lawyers provides passionate, principled and proven representation to victims and families looking for an experienced nursing home neglect lawyer in Denver or the surrounding areas, including Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Ken Caryl, Columbine, Golden, Lakewood, Broomfield, and Arvada.
Frequently
Asked Questions
If you’ve been injured in an accident, there are several important steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights
- Dial 911 – Emergency Services. Get checked out by emergency responders, even if you think injuries are minor, you should always get evaluated. If the accident involved a motor vehicle, file a report with the police This documentation could be important later on.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to vehicles or property. Collect contact information from witnesses and others involved in the accident READ MORE…
When involved in a personal injury claim, the process can be very intimidating. Many individuals facing this situation are often dealing with life-altering injuries, high medical bills, financial hardships and find themselves feeling very vulnerable.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial in a variety of situations, particularly when you have sustained significant injuries or damages due to someone else’s negligenceREAD MORE…
After being injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering if you actually need to hire a personal injury lawyer. You would want to consult with an attorney, because in most cases, there will be an opposing party in your case that will be working against you. Choosing the right personal injury lawyer for your case is important to ensure you receive the best possible representation and outcome. Hiring a Denver Personal injury lawyer that specializes in that area of law is crucial, to ensure that you are getting proper representation, and your case is in good hands. Having an experienced lawyer like FIEDLER Trial Lawyers is helpful and provides powerful representation.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right lawyer:READ MORE…
The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer can vary depending on the lawyer and the specifics of your case. However, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Here’s how the contingency fee structure typically works and other potential costs to consider:
Contingency Fees: Percentage of Recovery: If the lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, they will take a percentage of the settlement or judgment amount you receive if you win your case. This percentage is typically around 33% to 40% but can vary depending on the lawyer and the jurisdiction.
No Win, No Fee: If you do not win your case, the lawyer will not charge you for legal fees. However, there may still be other costs you could be responsible for (discussed below).RAED MORE…
In a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, also known as damages, to address the losses and injuries you’ve suffered due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. The types of compensation typically fall into three main categories: economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Here’s an overview of each:
Economic Damages: These damages are intended to compensate you for actual financial losses resulting from the injury:
Medical Expenses: Compensation for past, current, and future medical costs, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any other necessary medical treatment. READ MORE…
The value of a personal injury case can vary greatly depending on several factors unique to your situation. Since each case is different, there is no standard formula to calculate the exact value. However, here are some key factors that generally affect the worth of a personal injury case:
Severity of Injuries: The more serious and long-lasting your injuries, the higher the potential value of your case. This includes considering whether your injuries result in permanent disability or disfigurement.
Medical Expenses: Your case will take into account all medical expenses you have incurred, as well as future medical costs related to your injury.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: The case can include compensation for lost income due to time off work and any future loss of earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.READ MORE…
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a year ago
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