Medical Problems Caused by Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in Norfolk, Newport News & Roanoke

Injuries from falls and other medical issues are a common reality for many elderly adults. However, in the environment of a nursing home, many of these accidents are preventable. Nursing home abuse, neglect, and poor care often lead to dangerous medical conditions that can threaten the life of your loved one.

Types of Medical Problems Caused by Abuse

Substandard nursing home care can lead to a wide variety of health issues, including:

• Fractures and broken bones – Up to 27% of falls in nursing homes can be attributed to environmental factors like wet floors, improperly maintained wheelchairs, poor lighting, and incorrect bed height.
• Malnutrition and dehydration – Nursing homes are required by federal law to test all residents for signs of malnutrition and dehydration upon their admission into the facility, and every three months while they are a resident. If eating and drinking is not carefully regulated, problems like anemia, pneumonia, muscle weakness, and urinary tract infections can occur.
• Pressure sores – According to recent studies, around 11% of nursing home residents suffer from pressure sores: painful ulcers caused by prolonged pressure on a single bony area of the body. Pressure sores are often the result of malnutrition, failure to re-position wheelchair-bound and bedridden residents, and failure to change clothing and sheets.
• Medication errors – Around 800,000 drug-related injuries occur every year in nursing home settings. Medication errors involving anti-anxiety medication and sedatives can increase a patient’s risk of falls and related injuries, as well as depression, allergic reactions, and sudden cardiac arrest.