Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog
Nursing homes traditionally cater to two types of residents: short-term residents entering the facility after being treated for a disease or illness at a hospital, and long-term residents needing end-of-life care. Often, as one may expect, the needs of each of these groups are different. For example, a resident expecting only a short stay in a home may be more interested in additional features, such as putting greens and hot baths on demand. However, those needing end-of-life care are less concerned with these “extras” and are more concerned with the basic necessities.
In a recent article by the New York Times, it is noted that there is a current trend showing that nursing homes are focusing on catering to the short-term residents, potentially at the expense of the safety and benefits of longer-term residents. The article cites a 2014 study conducted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, showing that 22% of short-term residents suffer some kind of harm during their stay. Another 11% suffer temporary injury. The incidents of injury to long-term residents have historically been much higher.
However, the article argues that, with new tweaks to the Medicare system, nursing homes have started to cater more and more to short-term residents. Indeed, they are financially incentivized to do so by incurring penalties if a discharged patient is re-admitted after being discharged by a nursing home or care facility. Homes can also generate higher profit margins by having a high turnover of short-term patients.
Nursing Homes in Maryland
According to the article, Kaiser Permanente, just one of many Maryland health care providers, operates 12 homes in the Maryland/Virginia area. Of those 12, four homes have a rating of one star, the worst possible rating. One of the 12 homes has a five-star rating, the highest possible rating.
Rankings are one good indication as to the overall quality of a nursing home, but they cannot predict the actual care that is being provided on a day to day basis. In fact, we see many cases of nursing home negligence, and they come from nursing homes throughout the ranks.
One thing is certain. After a resident is injured due to negligence or abuse that happens at a facility, the resident or their family is entitled to bring a case against the nursing home to determine if the facility is legally responsible to the victim or the victim’s family. To learn more about the standards of care in Maryland nursing homes, and how you can bring a case against a negligent or abusive care facility, call a Maryland nursing home attorney today.
Are You in Need of an Attorney?
If you have a loved one who you believe has received inadequate care from a Maryland nursing home, you or your loved one may be entitled to monetary compensation. The Maryland personal injury attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of collective experience holding negligent and abusive nursing home responsible for their actions. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free initial consultation.
See More Blog Posts:
Family of Nursing Home Resident Sues Facility After Accusations of Rape Substantiated, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published February 27, 2015.
Sexual Assault of Elders Occurs Most Often in Nursing Homes in Maryland, Nationwide, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published March 26, 2015.