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Seniors 65 and older face a significantly higher risk of choking and asphyxiation. Researchers estimate that up to 40 percent of elderly nursing home residents experience difficulty swallowing. At Shuttlesworth Law Firm, P.C., we understand that this risk is a serious concern and that choking incidents are often signs of nursing home negligence. Choking can…

Nursing home facilities are responsible for the health and safety of residents. But every year, many residents suffer concussions that are the result of nursing home neglect. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can occur when someone suffers a head injury – and it can have a significant impact on well-being…

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a widespread medical concern among nursing home residents, particularly older adults. Alarmingly, numerous cases of UTIs in long-term care facilities are rooted in neglect and abuse toward residents. This raises significant questions: What factors contribute to the prevalence of UTIs in nursing homes? What are the underlying reasons for their…

A new Supreme Court ruling may have made it easier for individuals in Alabama and across the U.S. to sue nursing homes that abuse and neglect residents. Residents have the right to demand justice for violations In a 7-2 decision, the court affirmed an earlier court ruling that determined when an individual nursing home resident's…

With just 10 inspectors statewide, Alabama is facing a crisis. Nursing homes are held to high standards of safety and ethical conduct because they are responsible for some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Those standards are enforced by state inspectors who investigate allegations of safety violations to protect residents' rights and quality…

In nursing homes, a significant number of residents suffer severe injuries, such as broken bones, as a result of falls. What makes matters worse is that many of these injuries could have been avoided if not for nursing home abuse and neglect. That's why it is essential for family members and loved ones to recognize…

Understaffing often leads to nursing home abuse & neglect The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the healthcare industry, particularly on eldercare and care for people with disabilities. According to a recent article in Politico, the number of nursing home employees in the United States dropped from 1.5 million in February 2020 to 1.3…

Nursing homes need to put residents' health and safety first One of a nursing home's most important responsibilities is making sure residents take all their medications as prescribed. Nursing home residents often have complex health issues that require multiple medications to manage effectively. That's why nursing home staff must follow the "five rights" of medication…

Malnutrition and dehydration are common problems in nursing homes across Alabama Dehydration is among the top 5 preventable disorders that kill people in nursing homes and extended care facilities, according to the Alabama Department of Mental Health. However, the problem is likely larger than the numbers demonstrate. Cases of nursing home malnutrition and dehydration are…

Residents of nursing homes who suffer from dementia or other cognitive impairments can pose a risk to themselves and others if they aren't properly supervised. One of the primary dangers nursing home residents face is the tendency to wander or elope from the facility, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather. According to the…