When are Hospital Transfers from Nursing Homes Warning Signs of Systemic Neglect?
Hospital transfers from nursing homes are not entirely uncommon. There are times when residents require medical treatment that simply cannot be provided within the nursing home and so, a transfer is necessary. However, there are times when hospital transfers can be signs of systemic neglect. According to the National Institute of Health, up to half of these transfers may be avoided, and many are a result of inadequate care that causes preventable medical emergencies.
If your loved one has been transferred to the hospital from a nursing home, it is important to analyze the situation to determine if neglect has occurred. Below, one of our Tampa nursing home neglect attorneys explains the signs to look for.
What are the Warning Signs of Systemic Neglect?
There are many indicators of systemic neglect when a nursing home resident is transferred to a hospital. The most common of these include:
- Severe dehydration and malnutrition: Sunken eyes, drastic and sudden weight loss, or severe dehydration are common reasons for hospital transfers. They also indicate that nursing home staff members have not been assisting with the resident’s daily nutrition needs.
- Bed sores in advanced stages: The presence of stage two to stage four bedsores indicates that nursing home staff members have not been repositioning a resident regularly, and that they have not identified the bedsores and provided the necessary treatment to prevent them from getting worse.
- Recurring infections: High incidences of urinary tract infections (UTIs), sepsis, or pneumonia can suggest that proper hygiene standards are not being met.
- Unexplained falls: Frequent hospital transfers for broken bones, bruises, and unexplained trauma can suggest that residents are not being supervised properly or that safety measures are not being taken.
- Poor personal hygiene: When a resident arrives at a hospital with heavily soiled bedding, soiled clothing, or other signs of long-term unhygienic conditions, it is a warning sign of systemic neglect.
- Unexplained changes in mental status: If a resident arrives at a hospital confused or severely lethargic, it can indicate sedation or overmedication, which staff members may sometimes use for convenience rather than medical necessity.
What Causes Systemic Neglect?
Nursing home neglect is devastating and families need answers. While there are many causes of systemic neglect, the most common include:
- Understaffing: Low staffing levels and high staff turnover are two of the main contributors to systemic neglect, as available staff members are overworked.
- Inadequate training: Geriatric care requires special training. When staff members do not receive it, they may easily overlook deteriorating health conditions.
- No safety culture: When nursing homes and staff members neglect safety protocols, such as failing to implement a ‘no lift’ policy or not cleaning properly, residents are at a much higher risk.
Our Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys in Tampa Can Advise On Your Case
If your loved one has been transferred to a hospital and you suspect neglect is the cause, you need legal help. At Kohn Law, our Tampa nursing home neglect attorneys can review the facts of your case, determine if neglect was the cause of harm, and help you and your family make things right. Call us now at 813-428-8504 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1800253/
