Other Risks (Continued)
Falls are also common in hospitals. Many seniors have mobility problems that often worsen after medication. Falls are a major contributor of injuries and deaths every year. Malnutrition is also common among the elderly. In fact, more than 50 percent of elderly people 65 years of age and older have eating problems. This problem often worsens in hospitals because medical staff may be unaware of patients’ eating habits.
Another common risk affecting senior care is the prevalence of infectious diseases. Because of the number of sick patients in the hospital, diseases such as pneumonia can spread rapidly and are often harder to treat because the infecting organisms are typically more aggressive.
Because of these risks, it is very important to inform medical staff of any of your loved one’s special needs. Inform the medical staff of the patient’s medical history, medication use, and pertinent issues such as difficulty eating, moving, or performing various daily activities. If you suspect neglect, contact a Louisville nursing home abuse attorney to discuss your legal options.
Contacting a Lawyer
It is important to keep your elderly loved one safe while receiving care in a hospital. However, no matter how hard you try, medical errors and safety issues may occur. Hospitals and medical staff may be held liable for injuries caused to patients that result from neglect or lack of quality senior care.
If you believe your elderly loved one suffered medical negligence while receiving senior care in a hospital, contact a Louisville nursing home abuse attorney from Gray & White. The lawyers at Gray & White have been consistently rated the top in the nation. Contact them today at (502) 210-8942.