Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog

It seems like common sense, but a recent study of Boston-area seniors has shown that those who occasionally neglected their medications were 50% more likely to fall than those who take their medications as directed.

The study was conducted by the Institute for Aging Research at Hebrew SeniorLife in Boston. Researchers surveyed 246 men and 408 women with an average age of 78. In this group, 376 reported a total of 1,052 falls. Questions included "Do you ever forget to take your medications?" and "Are you careless at times about taking your medications?" The study found that nearly half - 48 % - did not fully adhere to their medication schedule.

According to an article on LancasterOnline.com, Village Vista Manor in Manor Township, Lancaster County, has been closed by state and federal authorities because of problems with the quality of care. Its last resident left on April 21.

In early April, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid broke off its relationship with Village Vista. As a result, the nursing home could no longer care of Medicare or Medicaid patients.

State inspectors found multiple problems at the facility over the past year. According to state records, some problems included residents who complained the bathing water was too cold and that hot water had to be warmed in the microwave; reports of bruises that were not investigated; failure to provide ongoing activities for residents; a report that the home had operated without a dietitian for several years; and failure to investigate and prevent falls from beds and wheelchairs.

The state put the home on a provisional license on April 9. The home's license was then revoked 6 says later.

The American Health Care Association has named this week National Nursing Home Week. The theme is "Enriching Every Day." This will be celebrated in nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities nationwide. This year's theme honors those in the health care field who add value to the lives of those in nursing homes and who help older Americans to overcome the infirmities of age and disability.

According to the American Health Care Association's website, a supportive and caring nursing home environment provides enrichment for residents and families to continue growing, learning, and teaching in various ways. The week also provides an opportunity to honor all those who contribute to our nation's nursing homes, including residents, family members, employees, and volunteers.

When acts of caring, kindness, and respect are the norm in long-term care environments, residents experience better physical care and healing, as well as enrichment of the mind, heart, and spirit.

We invite you to join with us in celebration of National Nursing Week, and we encourage you to do your part to make a positive difference in the lives of those living and working in nursing homes.

Michael J. O'Connor & Associates has announced the appointment of the newest member of the law firm, Debra A. Matherne.

Matherne earned her Juris Doctor Degree from the prestigious Villanova University School of Law, Villanova, PA. Her undergraduate degree was obtained at Grove City College, Grove City in Psychology with an emphasis in English.

She is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Dauphin County Bar Association, and the American Bar Association.

Matherne brings a heavy emphasis on workers' compensation cases to Michael J. O'Connor & Associates, which has 14 locations throughout the Commonwealth. With over 18 years of experience, she is one of the top attorneys practicing in Workers' Compensation in the state of Pennsylvania.

Earlier in her career, Matherne worked for Michael J. O'Connor & Associates for eight years.

"We're very happy to have Attorney Matherne back. She is truly an advocate for injured workers," said Michael J. O'Connor.

Matherne lives in Mechanicsburg with her husband and three children.

Continue reading "Michael J. O'Connor & Associates Welcomes Newest Member, Atty. Debra A. Matherne" »

An article posted yesterday on McKnights.com says that a large percent of visits to emergency rooms by nursing home residents are preventable, according to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Based on data collected for the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey, the CDC estimates that about 40% of ER visits by nursing home residents are preventable.

Researchers found that some conditions, like urinary tract infections, could be dealt with in the nursing home. They found the number one reason for ER visits by nursing home patients was because of falls. According to the report, these types of visits could be avoided by efforts to prevent falls in nursing homes.