nursing home abuse attorney oklahoma
Oklahoma Bill to Protect Elderly in Nursing Homes in Danger, May Not Make It
An Oklahoma bill that would protect nursing home patients by requiring a fingerprint background check program for long-term care facilities is in jeopardy of dying a quiet death on the Senate floor. According to a news report in Tulsa World, House Bill 2582 sets up a system that would fingerprint all new employees applying to certain jobs in nursing homes and other care facilities. The fingerprints would then be submitted to the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) for a national criminal background check.
If the employee had a prior disqualifying offense, such as abuse by caretaker, that would prevent the person from working at the nursing home or care facility. Currently, prospective applicants for nursing home jobs have a criminal background check on their name only. Also, the background check is only done statewide and does not include other states unless the employee discloses that he or she worked in another state. The bill has passed the House, but has not been heard in the Senate. The bill is in danger of dying if it does not get a hearing in the Senate soon.
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Common Symptoms of Nursing Home Neglect
When we entrust our loved ones to the care of a nursing home, we expect quality care and a safe environment. However, that does not always happen. When nursing homes attempt to cut corners and put profits ahead of the people they serve, it creates an environment that is ripe for abuse and neglect. Signs of nursing home neglect may not be easy to spot. This is why it is critical that you visit your loved one often and keep your eyes open for any symptoms of neglect or abuse.
Some of the most common signs of neglect are: excessive or rapid weight loss, poor personal hygiene, uncombed or knotted hair, dirty clothing, urine or feces on bedding or clothing, bedsores, and a malnourished appearance. These are the obvious symptoms of neglect. Many serious cases of neglect also involve lack of supervision, scarcity of facility staff, and failure to follow doctor’s orders. For example, lack of supervision can result in a patient suffering a fall. There have also been cases where a doctor might order the patient to eat only semi-solid or liquid food. However, if the patient is not supervised at mealtime, he or she may eat solid food and choke on it. Such incidents have proved fatal for nursing home residents.
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