Louisiana ranks low in elder care
The non-profit advocacy group Families for Better Care recently compiled a report comparing the quality of care that elderly people in nursing homes receive in each state. Factors like staffing, reported violations and hours of direct care were taken into consideration to generate a grade between A and F for each state. As reported by CBS News, Louisiana was among 11 states that received an F.
Louisiana was ranked overall as the second worst state in the nation. The report found that Louisiana had the lowest number of facilities with "above average" registered staffing. More disturbingly, according to the report, nursing home residents receive an average of just 32 minutes of daily care.
This report was the first to compare nursing home care by state, so additional research would be helpful, but the implications are troubling considering how harmful nursing home neglect can be.
Nursing home neglect has many effects
Nursing home neglect can take many forms, so its lingering effects can vary. The CDC reports that abuse or negligence -- which can occur when residents don't receive sufficient attention or appropriate treatment -- may cause the following:- Wounds, injuries and persistent pain- Nutritional deficiencies or dehydration- An enhanced risk of contracting an illness or worsening an existing health problem- Psychological problems like anxiety and post traumatic stress syndrome
The conditions in nursing homes may also leave residents more susceptible to certain dangers. For example, the CDC reports that falls kill about 1,800 nursing home residents annually. As many as 27 percent of slip and fall accidents in nursing homes are due to controllable factors such as slippery floors or poor lighting. Better staffing and increased interaction with residents could reduce the risk of these accidents.
Nursing home neglect can lead to lower quality of life, and it can increase the risk of premature death. The Families for Better Care report does not indicate that every nursing home in Louisiana is substandard, but it does show that people should be cautious when choosing a nursing home. If you already have a relative in a nursing home, it's important to pay attention to his or her condition as well as any complaints or concerns about the facility.
If your loved one has experienced neglect or abuse at the hands of nursing home caretakers, you should contact a lawyer to find out about compensation that you may be entitled to.
Article provided by Bohrer Law Firm, L.L.C. Visit us at www.bohrerlaw.com
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|