Unattended Health Problems from Pennsylvania Nursing Homes

Pennsylvania Nursing Homes are required to give their residents the medical attention they require. The Nursing Home is required to do everything possible to maintain the health of its residents. If the health of you or someone you know in a Pennsylvania Nursing Home has degenerated our Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys can help you determine whether you are entitled to compensation as a result of their wrongdoing. Make sure that your Nursing Home is providing the care you deserve.

Patients with chronic medical conditions must receive proper medical treatment.
The Elderly suffer from many ailments associated with aging, these include weakened bones, arthritis, heart disease, and other pulmonary disorders. Patients with these conditions require continual health maintenance. It is important that staff be alert and recognize if a patient is exhibiting new symptoms or if their condition has worsened. If this is the case they should always receive prompt medical attention.

Medication must be administered as prescribed.
It is common for an elderly patient to take multiple prescription drugs at one time. It is essential that caretakers administer the proper dose of every medication and that medication is received on schedule.

Patients with no health problems should still receive routine medical care. Preventing a serious medical condition is just as important as treating a medical problem once it develops. It is important that elderly residents are encouraged to maintain their health. A plan for proper nutrition and exercise should be developed for every patient. Patients that exhibit unwillingness to follow a care plan should also be evaluated for depression.

Patients should be monitored for signs of Dementia. The elderly are particularly susceptible to Dementia. Dementia is not a single disease but rather occurs when a person has difficulty with two or more brain functions, such as memory and control of emotions. Residents should be closely monitored on a regular basis for symptoms of Dementia as it can be a symptom of health problems such as Stroke and Alzheimer's. It is important that these conditions are detected as soon as possible because prompt medical treatment may lead to a more favorable prognosis and prevent further complications from developing. An experienced Pennsylvania Nursing Home Attorney can help determine if the negligence of nursing home staff contributed to health complications.

Routine Patient Assessment should include:
• Monitoring physical function; vital signs, refusal to eat or overeating, dehydration, constipation, incontinence
• Observing Cognitive function; memory problems, disorientation, confusion
• Being alert to Behavior disorders; delusions, unexplained wandering, poor hygiene, change in personality