Medical malpractice, Nursing home complaint, Virginia Department of Health

As a nursing home injury lawyer, we typically only hear about patients receiving poor care at nursing homes.  Naturally no one calls our office to tell us about a good experience in a nursing home.  That is why I found this story published in the Detroit Free Press so uplifting.  Here is a link to the story: http://www.freep.com/article/20100507/OPINION05/100506052/1336/OPINION/In-a-nursing--home-at-age-40

The patient is a 40 year old woman who suffered a devastating fracture.  After surgery she was transferred to a nursing home for rehabilitation.  She certainly was the youngest patient in the nursing home.  In addition to being well cared for she developed friendships with other patients.  Even patients with severe Alzheimer's disease and other debilitating diseases could still appreciate receiving dignified care whether it be a bath or just meaningful conversation. 

One message that I take out of this story is that the excuses nursing homes provide for proving poor care are just that - excuses.  Nursing home patients are not so disabled that they do not feel the pain of pressure ulcers, the embarrassment of being left in soiled diapers, or the loneliness of lack of attention. 

If you believe a loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home, please read this article and understand that he or she deserves better.  Secondly, be pro-active.  You have the right to file a complaint with the licensing board.  You can contact a lawyer experienced in filing claims against a nursing home.  Feel free to visit our nursing home abuse and neglect website by clicking here to learn more about the rights of nursing home patients.