For children, fractures, commonly known as broken bones, can heal very quickly, sometimes in weeks. Complications are relatively rare. For seniors in nursing homes, fractures and broken bones can be devastating and in some cases can be fatal. For adults who are 65 years of age and older, fractures can…
Bed rails are often used in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities to help those who are most vulnerable. Those who are bedridden or who have mobility issues may have bed rails on their beds to help them sit up and to provide added support as they move around. Bed rails…
Sepsis is caused by a complication to an injury. In this condition, the body fights an infection by releasing chemicals into the blood, only to have those chemicals cause an inflammatory reaction and then potential damage to organs or even organ failure. Often, sepsis begins with a rapid heart rate…
The femur is the longest bone in the body, located in the thigh. Femur fractures are extremely serious. They can affect the entire lower part of the body. For seniors for living in Hollywood nursing homes, femur breaks are a concern, particularly in situations where a senior has osteoporosis or…
Seniors are especially vulnerable to hip fractures, which can be a life-threatening injury. Hip injuries, including fractures, are most commonly caused by falls and by slip and fall accidents. Nursing homes and assisted-living facilities are expected to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of falls to ensure that these…
Collar bone fractures, also known as clavicle breaks, are quite rare in adults, and any collar bone break in a nursing home resident should be scrutinized carefully. It can be a red flag sign of abuse or physical assault. It can also indicate negligence or other wrongdoing which requires your…
A broken hand, for a resident of a nursing home in Hollywood or South Florida, represents a serious problem. Broken hands can affect a senior’s ability to dress themselves and to enjoy independence. A broken hand can also dramatically affect quality of life. For seniors, it can take longer to…
A recent investigation by CNN has unveiled a number of questions surrounding the use of Nuedexta in nursing homes. Nuedexta is a drug approved by the FDA to treat PBA (pseudobulbar affect), a condition which causes sufferers to experience uncontrolled laughing or crying. Nuedexta use has increased 400% in the…
There are many forms of nursing home neglect and abuse which can be seen in nursing homes in Hollywood and other parts of Florida. Unfortunately, over the past month we have seen the unfolding tragic events at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, where eleven residents have passed away after…
Senior physical abuse can involve hitting, punching, slapping and other physical assault. Unfortunately, senior physical abuse is more common than many people realize in nursing home and caregiver situations. It can also be difficult to detect, especially since the elderly may have trouble articulating or may be afraid to speak…