Missouri nursing home patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia are at a high risk for injuries related to their condition. Nursing homes are required to comply with an appropriate standard of care to prevent the risk of harm to these vulnerable patients. A patient with dementia may experience symptoms such as confusion, delusions, agitation and difficulty with self-care that severely limit or prevent them from living at home, making nursing home care a necessity.
The standard of care for nursing homes requires that the facility develop an individualized care plan for each patient that is appropriate to protect the patient’s health and safety. In addition, the plan must be carefully followed on a day-to-day basis, and the nursing home must regularly revise the plan in consideration of changes in the patient’s condition to make sure that it still meets the patient’s needs.
Additionally, a change in environment can exacerbate the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. For example, moving to a new room, or changes in routine or caregiver arrangements cause additional stress for patients suffering from dementia. This can cause symptoms such as confusion and irritability to worsen.
Nursing home neglect is a serious concern for families who entrust these facilities to take care of their loved ones. When nursing homes fail to follow the appropriate standard of care, injuries and death can result. Negligence can cause malnutrition, preventable falls, bedsores, medication errors and patients absconding from the facility due to inadequate supervision. An attorney experienced in nursing home abuse cases may be able to assist families whose loved ones have become victims by initiating proceedings against the responsible parties.