Seniors And Dependent Adults Can Be At Risk For Elder Abuse In Hospitals
By: Stephen M. Garcia
Garcia, Artigliere & Schadrack
www.lawgarcia.com
When your elderly loved one or dependent adult is hospitalized, it is important to watch
for elder abuse injuries. Three key areas to monitor are your loved ones skin condition,
mobility, and medication.
Skin Conditions
When your loved one is in one position for too long, the skin can be damaged and
pressure sores (bed sores) can form. These painful open sores are vulnerable sites for
infection to enter the body.
Watch your loved ones skin condition. Make sure they are kept clean and dry. If they are
confined to a bed or wheelchair, their position needs to be changed frequently, and they
should be lying on a pressure-reducing mattress.
Mobility
Falls by patients are a frequent danger in hospitals. You want to make sure the call
system can be reached easily and that staff responds promptly to calls. For those who
need restraints, make sure the most appropriate ones are being utilized.
Medication Management
Over-medical can make your loved one sleepy or lethargic. Their medication should be
consistent with their physical condition and not being used to manage them.
What To Do
Observe and ask questions. If you are not getting answers that “feel right,” and if your
loved ones condition does not improve, go to the hospital’s management. If that does not
work, you may need to seek the assistance of an elder abuse attorney
