The Social Security system is in place to help us through difficult times. Unfortunately, there are some instances in which the system makes our lives even more difficult than they need to be. The day I received the denial letter for my claim, I wasn't sure what I was going to do. After talking with a few friends, I contacted a lawyer. That was the best decision I had ever made. Even with the professional assistance, getting the denial overturned and getting the money that I was owed took several months. I have kept a clear journal of my experience and loaded it with information that can help others get through what can be an impossible time.
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Social security denial - a journal of assistance
3 Warning Signs Of Potential Elder Neglect From Caregivers
Alexis Garcia
If you are considering nursing home placement for your elderly loved one, then you are probably very concerned about the level of care he or she will be receiving in the long-term care facility. While many nursing homes have excellent reputations, others may need to improve on caregiver training, cleanliness, monitoring of patients, and dietary factors.
Many people who place their trust in nursing homes to care for their loved ones are not aware of potential neglect problems in the facility as it relates to the patient. Here are three warning signs of neglect that may necessitate the expertise of an elder law attorney:
Decubitus Ulcers
Decubitus ulcers, also known as bedsore sores or pressure ulcers, are typically the result of lying in bed or sitting in a chair for extended periods of time without position changes. It is imperative that your loved one is turned and re-positioned every couple of hours so that undue pressure is not exerted on his or her bony prominences.
If an elderly, immobile person stays in the same position for too long, the skin will start to break down, leading to decubitus ulcers. When you visit your loved one in the nursing facility, check his or her skin, especially the skin on the elbows. heels, hips, ankles, and coccyx.
If you notice any redness or open areas, discuss it with the nursing supervisor. If the condition of the skin worsens, or if the existing skin breakdown fails to heal, contact both the physician and an elder law attorney to learn more about your legal options.
Frequent Falls
If your loved one is frequently falling in the nursing home, then chances are he or she is not being effectively monitored. While a rare or random fall can happen to anyone, frequent falling, especially falls that result in fractures, permanent injury, or deep lacerations, many be a sign of neglect and substandard care.
Nursing staff needs to carefully monitor patients who have dementia, mobility problems, certain health conditions, or those who are at risk for medication side effects. If your loved one sustained a broken hip or other severe injury as a result of a fall, seek both medical and legal advice to determine if the fall may have been the result of neglect from the caregivers.
Dehydration
If your elderly loved one is not receiving adequate hydration at the nursing facility, dehydration can quickly develop. If you notice that the person has a dry mouth, poor urinary output, is confused, or is constantly thirsty, he or she may not be drinking enough fluids.
It is important that the nursing staff offer water or other acceptable fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration of the patient, and if this is not being done, it may be deemed as neglectful care.
If your loved one is in a long-term care facility and has pressure ulcers, falls frequently, sustained a severe injury as a result of a fall, or has signs of dehydration, make an appointment to speak with an elder law attorney. You and your family may be eligible for monetary compensation for future medical care, and pain and suffering.
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