The following facts all pinpoint why the elderly are at risk in hospitals to endure medical errors, medication mistakes, slips, trips, falls, infectious diseases, and a host of other life threatening events.  If your loved one has been the victim of LASIK malpractice, medical malpractice or nursing home abuse in Memphis or in Eastern Arkansas, Northern Mississippi or West Tennessee, please contact us at (901) 527-2125.

1. If a senior citizen cannot reposition himself or herself, he or she is at risk for pressure ulcers (also commonly referred to as bed sores).    Bed sores affect almost 1,000,000 adults annually.
2. Senior citizens may already be taking multiple medications which can lead to adverse effects when combined with new prescriptions.
3. Senior citizens may have multiple medical issues, requiring several specialists to be involved in a specific avenue of treatment.  The involvement of so many physicians and healthcare providers can lead to difficulty in coordinating patient care.  Delirium occurs in almost one-third (1/3) of hospitalized patients over the age of 65 and in more than 70% of senior citizens in intensive care units.  It is a proven fact that family members are often the first to notice changes that might indicate delirium.
4. Senior citizens are more at risk for falls, especially if they are disoriented or sedated as a result of medications.  It is a proven fact among senior citizens that falls are the leading cause of injuries and deaths.
5. Senior citizens can be at risk for malnutrition.  It is a proven fact that 50% of patients 65 and older have problems eating, which can slow a patient’s recovery.
6. Hospitals are known for the spread of diseases.  Therefore, the more time spent in the hospital, the more likely a patient may succumb to a disease, including pneumonia.

There are some basic steps that you can do to help a senior citizen under medical care.  First, it is important to provide a complete patient medical history, including medications being taken by the patient, when the patient presents for medical care.   The complete medical history should include all providers that the patient has seen, and most of all the complaints the patient has, a list of all the patient’s medications (including herbs, supplements, over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and allergens to medications).

Second, it is important to help the patient prevent bed sores.  If a patient is unable to reposition himself or herself at bed, monitor how many times the patient’s body is turned to prevent bed sores.  If needed, ask the patient’s nurse, nurse practitioner, staff or physician to help you accomplish this task.

Third, try and meet the doctors during rounds or appointments.  Keep a list of questions that you may have for the care of the patient and be involved during appointments and treatment.

Fourth, try and prevent falls.  If the patient is a high risk candidate for falling, try and be as close to the bedside as possible at all times.  Take shifts, if necessary, including hiring outside help if needed.

Fifth, make sure the patient has all of the necessities of home.  This would include glasses and hearing aids, photographs of family and friends, books and newspapers, music, videos, clothing and bathrobes, and possibly even the patient’s own pillow.

Sixth, nutrition is an important part of the senior citizen’s healthcare as well.  Monitor the patient’s eating habits, and make sure that the patient is finished with the meal before the tray is removed from the room.  Have a list of food allergies with you if the patient is in the hospital, and make sure that the staff knows of any food allergies or special dietary restrictions.

Seventh, “cleanliness” first is important.  Take time to control any fears that the patient may have and educate yourself as to the patient’s treatment so that you will be able to assist the patient during the treatment process.

If You Need Help

Attorneys Tim Edwards and Ed Wallis practice medical malpractice and nursing home abuse law in Memphis, Tennessee and throughout the Mid South area, including Eastern Arkansas, Northern Mississippi and West Tennessee. Mr. Edwards and Mr. Wallis are prepared to discuss the facts of your case and try and determine if there is a way to help you.

Medical malpractice and Nursing Home Abuse are complex areas of the law, and you should immediately contact an attorney willing to provide detailed and thorough review of your case for you. Do not be fooled by the gimics of a quick check from a television ad; for a nursing home abuse, medical malpractice case or a LASIK malpractice case, you need a serious attorney who will work seriously on your behalf.

For immediate help:

CALL: (901) 527-2125

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Tim Edwards and Ed Wallis are Tennessee Attorneys handling cases throughout Tennessee, including but not limited to Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Jackson, Clarksville and Johnson City/Bristol/Kingsport.

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services further found that approximately 17% of nursing homes had deficiencies that caused “actual harm or immediate jeopardy” to patients. The report found numerous issues at the nursing homes, including bedsores, medication mix-ups, poor nutrition, and abuse and neglect of patients. Families entrust nursing homes with their loved ones, and the behavior of these institutions is unexcusable.

If you believe your loved one has sustained abuse, neglect and injury at the hands of a nursing home, contact Tim Edwards or Ed Wallis today at (901) 527-2125, or send us an e-mail by clicking HERE.