Checking Previous Violations Can Prevent Nursing Home Abuse
If your loved one requires nursing home care, you know how important it is to research any facility you are considering. You need to ensure that your family member will receive the proper care they need, and that they will never become the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect. While there are many things you will want to research, one of the most important is to check any previous violations the facilities have been accused of in the past. The fewer violations a facility has, the more likely your loved one will not suffer if they are placed there.
Common Nursing Home Violations
Any time nursing home staff members are negligent or abusive to the residents in their care, it is a violation of federal or state law. Some violations are more common than others, though, and they are as follows:
- Failure to pass health inspections: With so many older residents living so closely together, illness can spread rampantly in a nursing home. Facilities can be fined for failing to keep equipment properly sterilized, or for not keeping the facility clean enough. Medication should also be properly labeled, separated, and locked.
- Failing to monitor residents: When an older individual is at risk of falling, nursing home staff members are responsible for monitoring them to prevent a fall. Facilities should also install safety rails and handles to prevent falls. According to recent research, 16 to 27 percent of nursing home falls are caused by hazardous environments such as poor lighting and slippery floors.
- Failing to meet proper staff levels: Many experts state that understaffing has the biggest impact on the quality of life of nursing home residents. Understaffing can result in residents not receiving food, medication, and bathroom breaks when needed. Staff members in understaffed nursing homes are also more stressed, which can lead to a greater number of mistakes made.
How to Check for Nursing Home Violations
There are many ways that you can check if a nursing home has past violations. These are as follows:
- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Agency for Health Care Administration keep records of previous violations in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
- The Florida Nursing Home Watch List can identify if a facility is on this list. If any facility you are considering is listed, avoid it and find somewhere else.
- Visit the Nursing Home Guide, click on the region a facility is located, find the facility and click on it to see the inspection results.
Knowing any previous violations of nursing home abuse can greatly help you prevent it from happening to your loved one.
Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Tampa Can Help Determine Previous Violations
If you suspect that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, previous violations may be able to help you claim compensation. At Kohn Law, our Tampa nursing home abuse attorney can help you find previous violations and build a strategy to help you obtain the full settlement you deserve. Call or text us now at 813-428-8504 or chat with us online to request a free consultation.
Source:
quality.healthfinder.fl.gov/LandingPages/NursingHomeGuide.aspx
