Sometimes in life one is forced to make difficult decisions. Admitting an elderly loved one into a nursing home facility or eldercare community is never easy. However, at times it is necessary in order to provide them with the best and most efficient healthcare possible. Many nursing homes are professional, safe, responsible, and caring, but there are many that are not. The attorneys at Graves McLain have seen first-hand many instances where the elderly are abused in nursing homes and eldercare facilities.
Our most vulnerable citizens deserve to be treated with respect, safety, and dignity. If this is not the case, and a serious injury or death occurs due to inadequate care or negligence and abuse, someone must be held accountable.
In 2013, additional Oklahoma nursing home laws were put into place to ensure a higher level of safety within the state’s eldercare communities. Oklahoma law requires a specific standard of care for our elderly population who reside in nursing homes.
Oklahoma nursing service requirements include, but are not limited to the following:
– Residents should be kept clean and odor-free
– Bed linens and clothes should be kept clean, neat and dry
– Residents should be encouraged to be out of bed and active if possible
– Fluids should be constantly available to ensure proper hydration
– Proper skin care should be provided
– Bedfast residents should be turned every two hours to prevent injury & Bedsores
– Implementation of toileting programs to promote independence and continence
– Updating resident assessments to reflect changes in mental and physical health
Restraints must be for Safety Only.
Oklahoma nursing home law states that physical and chemical restraints are illegal when used as a form of discipline or convenience for staff members. Restraints may only be used in emergency situations to ensure the safety of the resident. If restraints are used, they must be quick release, as locked restraints are prohibited. In most cases, a doctor’s consent is required to use restraints.
Cameras are Permissible Under New Nursing Home Protection Laws
Oklahoma nursing home laws have been revised to permit nursing home residents and their loved ones to install cameras and other electronic monitoring devices in the residents’ rooms. It is against the law to deny admittance to a resident if they desire private surveillance in his or her room. Recorded footage from these devices can be used as evidence in civil or criminal proceedings.
Elderly abuse in a nursing home and elder care facilities affects the residents, their families, and their loved ones. The experienced nursing home abuse attorneys at Graves McLain are dedicated to protecting the rights of the elderly and helping their families get the justice they deserve.
Many times, abuse in nursing homes goes unreported by the victims for numerous reasons.
– They are afraid the abuse will continue or get worse
– They are too confused to understand what is happening
– They are scared to burden their own family
– They have been threatened by the abuser and are scared to come forward
– They feel they have nowhere else to go
– They feel helpless
– They do not want to be a burden to their family
There are many signs of abuse:
– Do they have bedsores?
– Are there signs of hitting or use of restraints? Are there bruises?
– Is your loved one showing signs of depression or are they uncharacteristically withdrawn?
– Are there signs of neglect, such as severe weight loss or poor hygiene and appearance?
– Are bank records and investments in order?
– Have they suffered broken bones or frequent visits to the hospital?
– Have they died suddenly in the care of an elder care facility or Nursing home?
Graves McLain, Tulsa Oklahoma nursing home abuse law firm can answer all your questions and a skilled, dedicated attorney can review the details of your situation for free.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home or elder abuse or neglect, contact Graves McLain Personal Injury lawyers so that we can represent you in your time of need.
We’ll speak with you for free and help you find answers. If negligent care was involved, we’ll fight to see that justice is served. We have helped many Oklahomans by successfully handling their nursing home abuse case.
Call Graves McLain Tulsa personal injury lawyers at 918-359-6600 for a free consultation.
Graves McLain, helping Oklahomans every day seek the justice they deserve.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
