Risks Facing Older Adults in Long-Term Care

GEORGIA – An online article from ajc.comdiscusses the risks facing older adults who are in long-term care facilities. These include nursing homes and assisted living facilities.*

Fall Injuries

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that falls are the leading cause of injuries and fatalities in adults 65 years of age and older. Falls often occur in long-term care facilities when staff members are not properly supervising residents, are not properly trained on fall-prevention protocols, or are not eliminating hazards for patients (spills on the floor, loose rugs, etc.).

Mistakes in Medication

Georgia law requires that people administering medications at long-term care facilities be certified medication aides, at a minimum. If an untrained, uncertified person administers medication, mistakes can easily occur in the type of medicine and the dosing. Even when a certified staff member is administering the medication, residents sometimes receive the wrong drug or the wrong amount. This can lead to serious injuries.

Leaving the Facility

Particularly in residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, a risk of inadvertently leaving the facility exists. This is also called “eloping,” when a resident wanders away without staff members knowing. Georgia mandates alarm systems in all long-term facilities with memory care departments, designed to let staff know if a resident has left the premises. Eloping has resulted in significant injuries to residents. 

Bedsores (Pressure Sores)

Bedsores are a common battle in long-term care facilities, as many residents spend extended time lying in their beds or sitting in chairs. Without regular repositioning or specialized bedding, residents can develop painful ulcers. Left undetected or untreated, these can lead to serious infections. 

If you believe that your loved one has been the victim of abuse or neglect at a Georgia long-term care facility, contact a lawyer at Montlick & Associates to investigate. 

At Montlick & Associates, We Know What it Takes to Win™  

If you or a family member has been injured at a nursing home, contact Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, today for your Free Consultation.  You may be entitled to valuable compensation, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, Pain and Suffering, and more. Call us nationwide toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333), or by dialing #WIN (#946) from your cell phone. Or feel free to visit us visit us online at www.montlick.com and complete our Free Case Evaluation Form or our 24-hour live Online Chat.

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