Elder Abuse Lawyers in Pittsburgh
Protect your loved ones from nursing home abuse and neglect
Unfortunately, the term “nursing home abuse” is all too familiar these days as our populaton ages and people are living longer lives. Elder care facilities, understaffed with underpaid and poorly trained employees, may push the bottom line so far that they endanger the lives of their patients. While many nursing homes provide excellent care, far too many do not.
Nursing home residents may suffer physically and emotionally from abusive, neglectful, and threatening situations. The results of neglectful and outright abusive treatment in nursing homes may range from painful bedsores to injuries like broken bones, or even premature death.
For family members, identifying nursing home abuse can be a challenging and frustrating process with patients often unable to speak for themselves; learn more about identifying the signs of nursing home abuse.
In order to recieve federal funds, all nursing homes and long-term care facilities must comply with certain federal regulations and laws. These regulations and laws set out in detail the type and quality of care that residents in these facilities must receive.
Nursing Home Reform Act (1987)
During the 1980s, reports of nursing home abuse and neglect surfaced in alarming numbers. In an effort to reform nursing home practices and procedures and to set standards for the care rendered to residents Congress passed the Nursing Home Reform Act in 1987. These laws were incorporated into the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA 1987).
If you are a resident or have a loved one in a nursing home, it is important to be familiar with the rights provided by the Nursing Home Reform Act. The law requires nursing homes to promote and protect the rights of each resident and places a strong emphasis on individual dignity and self-determination. In order to participate in Medicare or Medicaid, nursing homes must meet residents’ rights requirements.
- How do I choose a nursing home or long-term care facility?
- What laws are protecting my loved one?
- What signs or symptoms of abuse or neglect should I be looking for?
- What recourse do I have if I find evidence of negligent or abusive treatment?