Nursing Home Negligence

Nursing Home Negligence Attorney in Denver

The nursing home system is in crisis in the United States.  

The aging boomer population, the nationwide nursing shortage, the coronavirus pandemic, and the continued consolidation of the industry into the hands of a few nationwide for-profit nursing home operators has left our most vulnerable older adults facing unprecedented risk of neglect and abuse.  

Nationwide, about 1.3 million older adults reside in 26,000 nursing homes or long-term care facilities. Thousands more live in assisted-living facilities or retirement communities as the U.S. population continues to age.  

That number is expected to increase to 30 million in the coming years, as an estimated 70 percent of the population seek long-term care options. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 70 percent of these facilities are being operated as for-profit corporations. Meanwhile, the Center for Medicare Advocacy reports for-profit nursing homes are consistently found to have lower levels of staffing, a lower level of care, a higher number of deficiencies and poorer outcomes, compared to the dwindling number of facilities operated as non-profit.  

Meanwhile, the industry cited COVID as a driver of $34 billion in revenue losses and the closing of a record 1,800 facilities, according to the American Health Care Association. The industry reports 94 percent of nursing facilities are unable to provide a staffing ratio of 4:1 as it continues to lobby against staffing mandates; it lobbied for federal funding throughout the pandemic amid what it claimed was a shortage of nearly 200,000 nurses and nursing aides.  

Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse 

Visitors to most nursing homes and assisted-living facilities are the only line of defense for our most vulnerable older adults. The rule, “If you see something, say something,” is vital to ensuring senior residents can live out their days with the peace and dignity they deserve.  

Seeking the advice of a nursing home neglect lawyer in Denver can not only help ensure your loved one does not continue to be victimized, it can help many residents who have no one to voice concerns on their behalf.  

Many residents are dealing with chronic health conditions, including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. But the fact remains that we make the difficult decision to place loved ones in a professional care environment precisely because they need such care to prevent avoidable accidents and injuries.  

Still, the number of nursing home neglect and abuse cases in Colorado continues to rise. Common signs of neglect or abuse include: 

• Fall injuries: Falls are the most common cause of accidental disability and death among older adults. Poor supervision, lack of proper equipment, and medication interactions are among the most common causes.  
• Weight loss: Poor diet and inadequate access to medical care can result in notable weight loss.  
• Bruising: Whether the result of falls or other causes, frequent bruises can indicate unintentional injury or abuse, whether by a staff member or other resident.  
• Bedsores: Bed sores are not an unavoidable consequence of immobility. They are most often caused by unsanitary bedding, poor staffing, and lack of proper medical care. Left untreated, they can become life threatening.  
• Fear: Anxiety can be a common consequence of aging. But it can also indicate side effects of medication or environmental factors such as abuse.  

• Sanitation: Dirty and unkept residents, overpowering smells, and unkept rooms and common areas can be signs of poor staffing or indifference. 
• Staffing: Few staff members or staff members who appear overworked and unhappy can be signs that a facility is not keeping up with demands.  
• Inactivity: Are events planned? Are common rooms well lit, clean and well attended? Inactivity, few planned events, and depressed residents are signs that the facility is not engaging residents.  

While facility improvements can be welcome, fresh paint or other signs of sudden improvements, particularly around the holidays, can be warning signs. Make an effort to visit at different times of the year and different times of the day or week. Take the time to listen to residents.  

If you see something, say something. 

Ken Fiedler Injury Law provides passionate, principled and proven representation to victims and families looking for an experienced nursing home neglect lawyer in Denver or the surrounding areas, including Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Ken Caryl, Columbine, Golden, Lakewood, Broomfield, and Arvada.