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How do I find a good Pennsylvania nursing home for my loved one?

If possible allow your loved one to help in the process of selecting a Pennsylvania nursing home. You should also contact the long-term care ombudsman and healthcare providers who are familiar with the nursing home.

If possible, speak to current residents, their families, and staff members. Review the Pennsylvania surveys of the nursing homes that are being considered. Once the list of nursing homes has been narrowed down make multiple trips to the facility at different times during the day and night to see activity and staff performance.

How Prevalent is nursing home abuse and neglect in the U.S.?

According to a congressional report, State inspectors cited nearly 5,300 nursing homes from January 1999 to January 2001. In more than 1,600 of these nursing homes the violations were "serious enough to cause actual harm to residents or to place the residents in immediate jeopardy of death or serious injury."

What is nursing home abuse and neglect?

Nursing home negligence can occur in various forms:

• Physical Abuse
• Medical Negligence, Malpractice and Neglect
• Sexual Abuse
• Emotional or Psychological Abuse
• Abandonment
• Financial Exploitation
• Self-Neglect

What should I do if I suspect nursing home abuse?

If the circumstances are serious seek medical attention immediately. If you believe the situation represents criminal abuse, call the police. You should also investigate by collecting all the facts and gather all the material you can so that documents cannot be changed. Then contact a qualified Pennsylvania nursing home abuse lawyer to determine what legal rights you and your loved one has.

How soon should I make a Pennsylvania nursing home abuse claim?

You should contact a Pennsylvania nursing home abuse lawyer immediately as there are statutes of limitations that limit the time period in which you can file a case.

Would we have to take our case to trial?

Most Pennsylvania nursing home abuse lawsuits settle out of court. However, it may be necessary to go to trial if the attorney feels it is in your best interest.

What are some of the indicators of nursing home abuse or neglect?

Some of the most common conditions that may indicate nursing home abuse or neglect are:

• Bed sores
• Fractures
• Falls
• Unexplained injuries
• Malnutrition
• Improper medication
• Rapid weight gain or loss
• Unsanitary conditions
• Poor Staffing
• Unexpected Death

What rights do nursing home residents have?

Pennsylvania nursing home residents have the right:

• To be treated with respect and dignity.
• To be informed in writing about services and fees before you enter the nursing home.
• To manage your own money or to choose someone else you trust to do this for you.
• To privacy, and to keep your personal belongings and property as long as it does not interfere with the rights, health, or safety of others.
• To be informed about your medical condition, medications, and to see you own doctor.
• To refuse medications and treatments.

To have a Pennsylvania nursing home abuse lawyer contact you about your potential case or any questions you may have please fill out the form on your left.