It can be difficult to make the decision to support a loved one as they transition into assisted living or some type of nursing home. Many New Yorkers find their minds put at ease, though, when they realize that state regulations delineate how these businesses should be operated, which is in a way that protects residents’ safety. Sadly, though, far too often New York nursing homes fail to abide by these regulations. Innocent and unsuspecting individuals are injured and killed as a result.
One important regulation that is often overlooked is the resident assessment. When an individual is admitted to a nursing home, staff should conduct a thorough assessment of the resident to better determine the course of treatment that is to be provided to him or her. This comprehensive assessment should look at a number of factors, including physical and mental functioning, existing medical conditions and medical history, sensory impairments and prescribed medications.
These assessments shouldn’t be a one-time thing, either. In addition to the initial assessment, to be completed within 14 days of admission, a comprehensive assessment should be conducted at least once a year or more frequently if a patient experiences a sudden increase or decrease in health. This is to ensure that care levels can be adjusted accordingly.
The unfortunate reality is that many nursing homes are understaffed, which means that important regulations like this one aren’t always followed. This can leave a patient neglected, receiving inadequate care that fails to meet his or her needs. In these instances, a nursing home resident can suffer serious harm or even die. This is why it is important to take legal action when harmed by nursing home neglect, as it can impose liability, lead to accountability and result in the recovery of compensation.