The Stanley Law Offices

If you or a close family member resides in a nursing home, it is imperative that you understand your rights. The nursing home is required by law to act in your best interest. Negligence is more subtle and harder to identify than outright abuse, and it is also more prevalent.

Under the federal Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, guidelines of nursing home care were adopted to ensure the general well being of residents. Any violations of the act's provisions may be construed as nursing home negligence, which could result in fines or loss of Medicare and Medicaid funding.

The act contains regulations for the following:

• Adequate staffing
• Proper nutrition
• Comprehensive care plans for each resident
• Proper hygiene
• Activities to promote quality of life

Despite the law, many nursing homes rely on overworked and under-skilled workers to provide care. Insufficient supervision, errors in medication, and failure to assist with hygiene are all examples of neglect.

Many nursing home residents are unable to communicate effectively about how they are being treated. Some may not even realize the extent to which they are being neglected. So having an active family member visiting them and staying aware of their care and nutrition is the best way to protect them for painful and puzzling, even health-threatening, situations.

If you suspect that you or someone you love is being inadequately cared for, neglected, or abused in a nursing home, please call or email our Stanley Law Offices medical malpractice lawyers. They can assess the situation and advise you of your legal rights and options.