After one of the biggest storms hit South Florida, it became evident that many nursing homes were not prepared, as well as many nursing homes had significant service failures. Sadly, 14 people at The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills died after power at the facility was knocked out. Without functioning air conditioning, temperatures in the facility rose drastically resulting in severe cases of dehydration and other heat-related symptoms among elderly residents.
While this one case of nursing home neglect gained national attention, there are thousands of elder care facilities that are not providing safe and proper care to our elderly population. Nursing home abuse and neglect incidents occur every day in the United States often going unreported and unnoticed.
We all need to recognize this epidemic in our country and take a stand towards helping our elder population. Most recently, four Congressmen sent a letter to federal regulators questioning the oversight by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in nursing homes.
In the letter, they question the role of CMS in overseeing The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills. Additionally, the letter questions what the CMS Administrator, Seema Verma, is doing about “reports of sexual abuse and neglect” in nursing homes across the United States.
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The federal and state government dictates that nursing home residents have certain rights facilities must adhere to by law. These regulations are designed to protect elderly residents from being abused or neglected, however they are not always followed. In fact, there are many nursing homes right here in North Carolina that have a very poor safety rating.
Be Aware When You Visit a Loved One in a Nursing Home
Always be aware when visiting your loved one in a nursing home. Watch for signs such as:
- Change in personality
- Seeming withdrawn and lethargic
- Bruises or broken bones
- Emergency visits to the hospital
- Bed sores
These could all be signs of abuse and neglect. Pay attention, ask questions, talk to staff, and call often to check up on your loved one.
If you think a loved one may be the victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home facility, call the experienced North Carolina nursing home abuse attorneys at Henson Fuerst today at (919) 781-1107.
The Raleigh nursing home abuse attorneys at Henson Fuerst have been representing the rights of nursing home residents for more than 30 years. When you have Henson Fuerst on your side, you’ll be treated with respect and compassion.
Don’t suffer in silence. If you have questions about injuries or an untimely death of a loved one in an elder care facility, we may be able to help. If you have questions, we’ll help you find answers.
Call Henson Fuerst, Because Your Case Matters.
