Significant Risk of Elder Abuse in Los Angeles
March 29, 2009
by Rice & Bloomfield
The San Fernando Valley’s elderly population is in serious danger. Of the 419 nursing homes in Los Angeles, only 17 facilities were in full compliance with federal safety standards. Many nursing homes violate standards that create a real risk of injury or death to their patients. Seventy-six percent did not provide adequate staffing for the dependent adults in their care. This has resulted in medication errors, life-threatening bed sores, and failure to timely treat medical conditions at an early stage, put the 34,000 resident of Los Angeles’ nursing homes at an unacceptable risk.
Recognizing that the elder population is particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect, California“elder abuse” law provides an effective means for holding nursing homes liable for the injuries they cause. When regulators don’t have the resources to enforce laws designed to protect elders, elder abuse lawyers sometimes get involved. Unfortunately, that usually does not happen until a family member is injured or dies.
Abridged
SOURCE: Los Angeles Injury Lawyer
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Non compliance of standards in Nursing Homes are often seen in nursing homes in other countries too. It is up to the citizens of each of these countries to ensure that elder rights, elder care and elder abuse prevention; be 'on the agenda' of government and political parties.
Let use speak for those who cannot do so.
The staff to residents ratio is another area that should be considered in the inspection of nursing homes. Overworked and underpaid carers are 'time bombs' for elder abuse.
A lot of money, time, and sufferings can be avoided if we concentrate on PREVENTION programs.
In many countries, we do not hear about elder abuse. Most media outlets are NOT interested.
Elder Abuse is not a 'sexy' or headline grabbing item so they just don't bother.
....... AC
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