If there is suspicion of a nursing home patient having an impacted bowel, a patient exam is necessary. In some cases, a colonoscopy may also be ordered.
Failing to report a change in a resident’s bowel movements or not properly treating an impacted bowel may lead to the caregiver and/or facility being held liable. Kentucky nursing home abuse lawyers can help determine if your claim is valid.
Some of the ways caregivers can prevent this type of condition is by:
- ensuring residents drink enough water;
- providing a well-balanced meal (with sufficient fiber);
- incorporating physical activity into the residents’ daily lives;
- monitoring bowel movements (consistency, quantity and time); and
- talking to a physician if the resident complains of stomach cramping or pain.
Staff members should also recognize symptoms in a nursing home patient who has impacted bowel, which may include difficulty passing stool, bloating, lower back pain and bleeding from the rectum.
Help from Kentucky Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
When a nursing home patient has an impacted bowel and it is left untreated, leading to serious complications, you may have the right to file a claim against the caregiver and/or facility. The best way to learn what legal options are available is to seek help from a lawyer who is familiar with these types of cases.
A lawyer can evaluate your case to determine if you have a valid claim worth pursuing. If so, he or she may be able to assist with the claims process. This can include the completion of paperwork and forms, along with evidence collection, if necessary.
Evidence that demonstrates the injuries your loved one suffered and the impact it has had on his or her life will be important. Trying to obtain medical records on your own may be difficult, which is why seeking legal counsel would be in your best interest.
Has Your Loved One Been Injured In A Nursing Home?
If you believe your loved one is being subjected to nursing home abuse you need to speak with an experienced Kentucky nursing home neglect attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 888.450.4456 to schedule a free consultation.