Table of Contents
Resident Abuse
As your loved ones age, it is important to understand the different living arrangements offered for dependent adults and the elderly. As your loved ones age, it is important to understand the different living arrangements offered for dependent adults and the elderly. These options cater to various needs, but choosing the right setting also requires being vigilant about potential risks such as resident abuse. Being informed about what resident abuse entails, and the policies in place to prevent it, can be crucial in making a confident decision for your family member’s care.
The following is a brief overview of the types of facilities available to the elderly and the services they typically offer:
Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE)
Residential Care Facilities (commonly known as assisted living facilities) are geared toward the elderly who are unable to live by themselves, but who do not need 24 hour nursing care. It is often the first step that an elderly person will take from their home as they begin to require assistance with their daily living. RCFEs are not considered medical facilities or licensed healthcare providers and are not required to have any licensed medical professionals on staff. Generally, RCFEs are not covered by the government and residents are required to privately pay to live at the facility.
Residential Care Facilities are designed to allow residents who are 60 years and above, the opportunity to maintain autonomy while providing room, board, housekeeping, supervision, and assistance with basic activities like personal hygiene, dressing, eating, and walking. Facilities will typically have one nurse on staff to provide medications for residents to self-administer.
Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly must meet care and safety standards set by the State and are licensed and inspected by the Department of Social Services.
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
Skilled Nursing Facilities differ from residential care facilities because the residents are more dependent on the facility for care and assistance with daily living. They are staffed with licensed nurses, and are required to notify the patient’s attending physician, dentist, podiatrist or other medical professional if there is a change in condition, such as a fall, a choking episode, or the development of pressure sores.
The care provided at skilled nursing facilities is meant to provide 24-hour nursing assistance for elderly or dependent adults in order to provide a safe environment for rehabilitation. The government does provide some Medicare coverage for qualifying residents at a SNF. In order to qualify for Medicare coverage, a potential resident must have had a qualifying 3-day stay at an acute hospital and may be covered for a benefit period of up to 100 days. Any stay in excess of the 100 day period must then be paid by the resident, unless there is a subsequent qualifying hospital stay which initiates another 100-day coverage period.
Skilled Nursing Facilities are considered healthcare providers and are required to document all clinical notes and keep track of the nursing services provided. Upon admission, a care plan for the resident is created based upon the elder’s special needs. The nursing staff is required to provide the services that are outlined in the plan. Each resident has access to a skilled nurse, a physician, dietary specialist, pharmacy, and activity program. If a physician is not available when something happens, the facility is required to make arrangements for emergency care of the resident.
It is important for families to be involved in the care of their elderly loved ones as they require more nursing support because it becomes more difficult for them to communicate their concerns. If you believe that the needs of your loved one are not being met, you can request that the facility take another assessment to update their care plan.
Home Health Care
Home Health Care is another option for the elderly who are not capable of living on their own, but do not necessarily require the 24-hour attention of a skilled nursing facility. A physician’s recommendation is required for Home Health Care to provide nursing care in the elder’s home on a regularly scheduled basis. The role of a Home Health Care nurse is to provide nursing care required of Registered Nurses in the home setting. Home Health Care Nurses provide an array of specialized services which can include taking vitals, changing colostomy bags, etc.
A patient may qualify for coverage of Home Health Care services under Medicare if they are over the age of 65 and financially qualify. Home Health Care nurses must also follow strict guidelines in maintaining their scheduled visits, keeping a record of services performed, following physician’s orders and reporting any changes in condition.
What are the main types of resident abuse?
Resident abuse refers to the mistreatment or neglect of individuals living in residential facilities, such as nursing homes, assisted living centers, or group homes. This kind of abuse can be particularly distressing as it often involves vulnerable populations like the elderly or those with disabilities. The main types of resident abuse are:
Physical Abuse
This type of resident abuse includes any intentional physical harm, such as hitting, slapping, pinching, or restraining residents inappropriately.
Emotional or Psychological Abuse: This encompasses verbal or non-verbal behaviors that inflict mental pain, distress, or anguish. Examples might include yelling, humiliation, intimidation, or isolation from others.
Sexual Abuse
This type of resident abuse involves any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior, including forced sexual interactions, harassment, or exposing residents to explicit material without their consent.
Financial Abuse
This refers to the illegal or unauthorized use of a resident’s money, property, or assets, which may involve theft, fraud, or coercion.
Neglect
Neglect is a form of resident abuse where the caregiver fails to provide necessary care, resulting in physical harm or emotional distress. This can include failure to provide adequate food, shelter, medication, or assistance with personal hygiene.
Resident-to-Resident Abuse
This involves abusive behaviors between residents themselves, which may manifest in any of the forms mentioned above.
Healthcare Fraud
This involves deceptive practices by healthcare providers that could lead to substandard care or financial loss for the resident, such as overbilling or billing for services not provided.
Preventing and addressing resident abuse requires a multifaceted approach involving careful monitoring, proper training of staff, adherence to regulations, and fostering an environment where residents feel safe to report any mistreatment. Family members and loved ones should also be vigilant and aware of the signs of abuse to ensure the well-being of those living in residential facilities.
If you or a loved one resides in a residential care facility for the elderly or a skilled nursing facility, and the facility has not provided the basic services described above, you may have a claim for elder abuse. Contact our office today to learn more about how our attorneys can help (714) 549-0333.