Virginia Nursing Home Negligence & ABuse Attorneys

Offices in Norfolk, Newport News & Roanoke

It's a fact of life that almost 43% of the U.S. population age sixty-five and older will reside in nursing homes at some point. The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home can be a very difficult one.

As family members, we trust that our loved ones will experience high levels of care, no matter which facility we choose. But even after finding the "perfect" nursing home or elder care facility, there may be severe health and conduct violations that go undetected by most families.

Common Signs of Nursing Home Negligence

Any of the following signs can be indications of nursing home abuse or neglect in a nursing home or other care facility. If you notice any of the following changes, call Kalfus & Nachman PC immediately at (855) 880-8163.

• Bed/pressure sores
• Low self-esteem/depression
• Sudden mood swings or anxiety
• Use of physical or chemical restraints
• Use of psychotropic medication not authorized by a physician
• Bruising or fractures
• Malnutrition
• Poor personal hygiene
• Frequent illness/failure to report illness
• The unexplained or unexpected death of a resident
• Rapid weight loss or weight gain
• Failure of staff to report any changes in condition
• Serious injury requiring hospitalization
• Dirty living quarters
• Unusually heavy medication or sedation
• Frequent illness

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 residents. If eating and drinking are 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.

Considerations in Choosing a Nursing Home

Observe the following:

• Are odors prevalent?
• How many residents are out of bed/still in bed?
• Are residents well groomed: hair combed, teeth clean, appropriate clothing for age/weather, nails clean?
• Are restraints in use: bed rails, reclining chairs, trays placed on geri-chairs, etc.?
• Do residents appear happy, depressed, sad, or intimidated by staff?
• How does the staff interact with residents? Does the staff speak to residents respectfully?
• Are activities that are age/interest-appropriate in progress?
• Do the meals appear adequate in proportions and appetizing?
• What is the demeanor of the staff? Do they appear pleasant, tired, etc.?
• Are there obvious dangers present, e.g., medicine carts unattended, mop buckets in the hallways, spills on the floor, etc.?
• Are the Administrator and Director of Nursing Services willing to meet with you?
• Inquire if the facility uses agency staffing. If so, are they contracted individually for long periods, or does the agency provide staffing when needed?
• Inquire how you will be made aware of changes in condition.
• Inquire as to the staff/resident ratio for each shift.
• Inquire about what systems are in place to prevent wandering, falls, pressure ulcers (bedsores), weight loss, and decline in activities of daily living.
• Is the name/phone number of the Corporate Regional Manager and Corporate office available to you?
• Is the facility well-lit? Are there dangers/obstacles in the resident bathrooms?
• Is privacy being provided during the personal care of residents?
• Do you hear residents screaming, moaning, or crying?
• How accessible are phones to the residents?
• What are the restrictions on visiting? May you visit at any time?

Holding Abusers Accountable

At Kalfus & Nachman PC, our Virginia nursing home negligence lawyers believe very strongly that the principles of equal rights shouldn't change with age. Thousands of families trust their loved ones' lives to nursing homes and elder care facilities on a daily basis. Often, the negligence and abuse that goes on in these facilities is hidden or hard to pinpoint. That's why if you suspect any wrongdoing in any nursing home facility in Virginia or North Carolina, we urge you to follow your instincts and report it.

If you talk to a Kalfus & Nachman PC nursing home injury attorney in Virginia, we can make sure your loved one is being treated right and, if abuse is occurring, prosecute the institutions to make sure this horrible behavior is put to a stop.

Get Started With a Free Consultation Today

If you suspect your loved one may be the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect in Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Portsmouth, Roanoke, Virginia Beach, or anywhere in Virginia or North Carolina, call Kalfus & Nachman PC immediately at (855) 880-8163 and set up your free consultation with one of our Norfolk nursing home negligence attorneys.

If you have been the victim of nursing home abuse in Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Portsmouth, Roanoke, or Virginia Beach, Virginia, please contact Kalfus & Nachman PC online or by phone at (855) 880-8163 to schedule a private consultation at no cost. “Tell Them You Mean Business.”

Nursing Home Abuse FAQs

What is nursing home abuse?

Nursing home abuse is a negligent or deliberate act on the part of nursing home caregivers to physically or psychologically harm nursing home residents.

What forms does nursing home abuse take?

Sadly, there are many ways in which a nursing home resident may suffer abuse or neglect. Failure to give appropriate food, drinks, or medications tops the list. Another issue is not changing wet or soiled bedding, which leads to pressure sores. Elders may suffer sexual abuse, humiliating remarks from caregivers, and general negligence, leaving them feeling vulnerable and isolated.

What should I do if I suspect a loved one is suffering nursing home abuse?

Instances of nursing home abuse are highly distressing for the victim and for family members, and you must take action if you suspect your loved one is suffering:

• Call the police or 911 immediately.
• Contact the nursing home administration.
• Contact an experienced Norfolk nursing home abuse lawyer to protect the rights of your loved one.

What legal options are available to elders and their families? 

An elder abuse lawyer in Norfolk can explain your rights. No amount of compensation can ever pay for the physical and emotional turmoil caused by such abuse, but it is important to pursue the case to prevent the abuse from continuing or happening to someone else.