Blog | Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd

Hogares de ancianos y su respuesta a los residentes con demencia

September 4, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Cerca de dos tercios de todos los residentes de hogares de ancianos de EE. UU. Tienen algún tipo de deterioro cognitivo, como demencia, y la calidad de la atención y la calidad de vida de estas personas se han cuestionado durante mucho tiempo. La negación de la demencia por parte de los cuidadores es real y peligrosa, especialmente en un hogar de ancianos. Los diagnósticos de demencia también pueden pasarse por alto cuando los miembros del personal están sobrecargados de trabajo y los equipos de atención con pocos recursos no reciben la capacitación adecuada para evaluar a los residentes con dificultades que pueden requerir supervisión adicional y manejo de medicamentos, actividades diarias y necesidades financieras.

Signos de demencia

Es importante conocer los signos de la demencia para saber cuándo se debe trasladar a un residente de un centro de enfermería a un entorno de vida especializado asistido las 24 horas para mantenerlo seguro.

Pérdida de memoria en etapa temprana

Uno de los signos más comunes y prominentes de la demencia, especialmente en las primeras etapas, es olvidar información como fechas o eventos importantes y hacer las mismas preguntas repetidamente. Aquellos que se encuentran en la etapa inicial tienden a tener una necesidad cada vez mayor de confiar en los demás para recordar hechos, personas o rutinas.

Incapacidad para concentrarse y conversar

Algunas personas que sufren de demencia pueden experimentar cambios en su capacidad para concentrarse y seguir un plan o una conversación. Pueden tener problemas para seguir el ritmo de la conversación o confundirse. También pueden comenzar a tener dificultades para nombrar objetos familiares, como llamar a una “cama” una “mesa”.

Se producen caídas

Las personas con demencia tienen una mayor probabilidad de sufrir caídas y fracturas de cadera. Las caídas pueden ocurrir cuando el personal no sigue el protocolo, como cuando se necesitan dos personas presentes para mover a un residente de su silla de ruedas a la cama. Las fracturas óseas graves y las lesiones cerebrales traumáticas (TBI) son lesiones comunes por caídas que pueden provocar un deterioro de la salud de una persona.

Vagabundeo y fuga

Seis de cada 10 personas que sufren de demencia deambularán e intentarán moverse sin rumbo fijo por las instalaciones sin tener en cuenta su seguridad personal. El Consejo Nacional de Profesionales Certificados en Demencia (NCCDP) ha identificado diferentes tipos de deambulación; como, deambular con señales ambientales, deambular recreativo, deambular agitado con propósito, deambular fantasía o reminiscencia, y fuga. Según el NCCDP, la fuga es el tipo más peligroso de deambular y ocurre cuando un paciente intenta salir del hogar de ancianos por completo y vagar afuera.

Dificultad creciente con tareas simples

A medida que avanza la demencia, disminuye la capacidad para realizar tareas diarias como bañarse, comer, vestirse y socializar.

Confusión general sobre visitas y citas

Como se dijo anteriormente, quienes padecen demencia comienzan a perder la noción de fechas y eventos importantes, como las vacaciones, u olvidan que un miembro de la familia viene de visita. Empiezan a tener dificultades para comprender dónde están, por qué están allí y cómo llegaron allí.

Artículos perdidos

Su ser querido puede comenzar a perder artículos o ponerlos en un lugar inusual. Es probable que no puedan volver sobre sus pasos a medida que disminuya su memoria. También pueden acusar a otros de robar o extraviar artículos personales importantes, especialmente a medida que avanza la enfermedad.

Cambios en el estado de ánimo, la personalidad y el buen juicio

Las personas pueden experimentar cambios difíciles en el juicio y la toma de decisiones. Los cambios de humor y personalidad pueden ocurrirle a alguien con demencia y Alzheimer en etapa temprana. Los individuos se confunden fácilmente, se sienten temerosos, desconfiados, ansiosos o deprimidos.

Respuesta de los hogares de ancianos a los residentes con demencia

En un estudio reciente publicado por los Institutos Nacionales de Salud de la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina de EE. UU., Los residentes con demencia o Alzheimer tienen un mayor riesgo de sufrir abusos. El abuso puede existir en muchas formas, como negligencia del cuidador, abuso psicológico, abuso físico, abuso emocional, abandono, auto-negligencia, abuso sexual y explotación financiera.

Los facilitadores más comunes fueron la introducción de políticas y programas en las instalaciones, la educación y las condiciones laborales. Las barreras más citadas fueron la formación deficiente, las condiciones de trabajo en un entorno de atención a largo plazo y la falta de investigación. La creciente población podría aumentar este problema de manera exponencial, afirmaron los investigadores.

El abuso actual continúa debido a problemas de detección y prevención; sin embargo, otro problema es que el 80 por ciento del abuso de personas mayores no se denuncia.

Cómo prevenir el abuso

La mejor manera de prevenir y abusar es mantenerse informado sobre los signos y síntomas para saber qué buscar y escuchar atentamente a los residentes, especialmente a los más vulnerables que sufren de demencia o Alzheimer. Al crear una cultura en la que los miembros del personal del asilo de ancianos denuncien todas las sospechas de abuso, las organizaciones pueden aumentar sus posibilidades de identificar y rectificar los comportamientos de abuso rápidamente.

Las instalaciones deben ofrecer capacitación y mejores procesos de selección para que los empleados identifiquen y reconozcan los problemas de los residentes. También deben contratar con diligencia personal que sea apto para cuidar a los adultos mayores y capacitar al personal para reconocer y denunciar sospechas de abuso. Los profesionales de la demencia también deben ser educados y estar en alerta máxima sobre los riesgos asociados con los residentes afectados por la demencia y su probabilidad de estar expuestos al abuso y la negligencia.

Comuníquese con un abogado con experiencia en abuso en hogares de ancianos

Puede ser difícil y traumático descubrir que usted o un ser querido padece demencia o Alzheimer y no está seguro de su futuro. Si sospecha que su ser querido está siendo descuidado o abusado debido a un deterioro cognitivo, Dinizulu Law Group lo ayudará a comprender situaciones comunes y señales de que algo anda mal.

Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. tiene un amplio conocimiento y recursos en esta área de la ley y brinda un servicio altamente personalizado al trabajar en estrecha colaboración con los clientes en cada paso del proceso. Nuestros abogados han representado a cientos de personas y familias en la presentación de reclamos contra las instalaciones de hogares de ancianos abusivos y los han ayudado a recibir la compensación que merecen. Llame a nuestra oficina para programar una consulta gratuita al (312) 384-1920 o visite nuestro sitio web para obtener más información.

Nursing Homes & Their Response to Residents with Dementia

September 2, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Close to two-thirds of all US nursing home residents have some type of cognitive impairment, such as dementia, and the quality of care and quality of life of these people have been long called into question. Dementia denial from caregivers is real and dangerous, especially in a nursing home setting. Dementia diagnoses can also be missed when staff members are overworked, and poorly resourced care teams do not receive adequate training to evaluate struggling residents that may require extra supervision and management of medications, daily activities, and financial needs.

Signs of Dementia

It is important to know the signs of dementia to know when a resident should be moved from a nursing facility to move to a 24-hour assisted specialized living environment to keep them safe.

Early Stage Memory Loss

One of the most common and prominent signs of dementia, especially in early stages, is forgetting information such as important dates or events, and asking the same questions repeatedly. Those who are in the early stage tend to have an increasingly need to rely on others to recall facts, people, or routines.

Inability to Concentrate and Conversate

Some people who suffer from dementia may experience changes in their ability to concentrate and follow a plan or conversation. They may have trouble keeping up with the conversation or become confused. They may also begin to struggle with naming familiar objects, such as calling a “bed” a “table.”

Falls Occur

Those with dementia have an increased likelihood of increased falls and hip fractures. Falls can happen when staff are not following protocol, such as needing two people present to move a resident from their wheelchair to bed. Severe bone fractures and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are both common fall injuries that can lead to a decline in a person’s health.

Wandering and Elopement

Six out of 10 people who suffer from dementia will wander and aimlessly attempt to move around the facility without regard for their personal safety. The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) have identified different types of wandering; such as, environmentally cued wandering, recreational wandering, agitated purposeful wandering, fantasy or reminiscent wandering, and elopement. According to NCCDP, elopement is the most dangerous type of wandering and occurs when a patient attempts to leave the nursing home altogether and wander outside.

Growing Difficulty with Simple Tasks

As dementia progresses, the ability to perform daily tasks such as bathing, eating, getting dressed, and socializing decreases.

General Confusion Over Visits and Appointments

As stated early, those who suffer from dementia begin to lose track of important dates and events, like holidays, or forget a family member is coming to visit. They begin to start struggling to understand where they are, why they are there, and how they got there.

Misplacing Items

Your loved one may begin to lose items or put them in an unusual place. They likely will not be able to retrace their steps as their memory decreases. They may also accuse others of stealing or misplace important personal items, especially as the disease progresses.

Changes in Mood, Personality, and Sound Judgement

Individuals may experience difficult changes in judgement and decision making. Mood and personality changes can happen to someone with dementia and early-stage Alzheimer’s. Individual’s become easily confused, fearful, suspicious, anxious, or depressed.

Nursing Homes Response to Residents with Dementia

In a recent study published by the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s are at a greater risk of experiencing abuse. Abuse can exist in many forms such as caregiver neglect, psychological abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, abandonment, self-neglect, sexual abuse, and financial exploitation.

The most common facilitators were the introduction of policies and programs in the facility, education, and working conditions. The most cited barriers were poor training, working conditions in a long-term care setting, and a lack of research. The growing population could increase this problem exponentially, researchers stated.

Current abuse continues because of detection and prevention issues; however, another issue is that 80 percent of elder abuse goes unreported.

How to Prevent Abuse

The best way to prevent and abuse is to keep yourself educated of the sign and symptoms so you know what to look for, and attentively listen to residents, especially those who are most vulnerable that suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s. By creating a culture in which nursing home staff members report all suspected abuse, organizations are able to increase their chances of identifying and rectifying abuse behaviors quickly.

Facilities need to offer training and better screening processes for employees to identify and recognize resident issues. They must also diligently hire staff who are fit to care for older adults and train staff to recognize and report suspected abuse. Dementia professionals must also be educated and on high-alert to the risks associated with dementia-ridden residents and their likelihood of being exposed to abuse and neglect.

Contact an Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

It can be difficult and traumatic to discover that you or a loved one is suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s and are unsure about your future. If you suspect your loved one is being neglected or abused due to suffering from a cognitive impairment, the Dinizulu Law Group will help you understand common situations and signs that something is wrong.

The Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. has extensive knowledge and resources in this area of the law and provide highly personalized service by working closely with clients throughout every step of the process. Our attorneys have represented hundreds of individuals and families in making claims against abusive nursing home facilities and have helped them receive the compensation they deserve. Please call our office to schedule a free consultation at (312) 384-1920 or visit our website for more information.

What Are a Nursing Home Resident’s Financial Rights?

August 7, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

When you think of a nursing home, you probably imagine many elderly individuals living there who rely on staff members to help them with their everyday tasks. While it is true that most do require around the clock assistance, there are plenty of residents who still act independently and are able to manage certain areas of their life. Take finances, for instance. A large portion of residents living in a nursing home in Illinois still have the mental capacity to make financial decisions and even handle their own money. According to The Consumer Voice, some of the financial rights a nursing home resident has include:

They have the right to handle their own bank accounts and money.
They have access to their funds on weekdays during business hours.
They are able to withdraw as much of their own money as they choose.
They can keep their spending habits private.
They can receive an itemized account of their monthly bill.
They can appoint a person to handle their finances.

Because a nursing home resident may still have access to their funds, many individuals, including workers and even family members, will sometimes take advantage of their vulnerability and steal from them. This is referred to as financial abuse or financial exploitation. Because this is a serious issue many aging individuals are faced with today, it is important that if you are considering allowing someone to manage your money, it is someone you can trust.

What are some preventative measures that can be taken to avoid theft in a nursing home?

Aside from financial abuse, nursing home residents also find themselves faced with other issues including having their valuable items taken from them should they choose to bring them when they transition from living in their own home and into a nursing home. Because we understand how important these items may be as they may not only hold value but also a place in your heart, it is important that you take preventative measures to avoid from becoming a victim of theft during your stay. Some preventative measures The Consumer Voice recommends you take include:

Mark all of your personal items, including watches, dentures, eyeglasses, and hearing aids, etc. so that everyone knows who they belong to.
Keep a written inventory checklist of clothing and other valuables, signed by you and a representative from the facility.
Provide your family members with a copy of the inventory checklist as well.
Take pictures of your valuable items.
Keep copies of all receipts for any items taken into the facility.
Place locks on clothing drawers and/or cabinets, where only you and an administrator have a key to open it.

What should I do if I am the victim of financial abuse?

If you or your aging relative has become the victim of financial abuse and you believe an Illinois nursing home employee is inflicting this abuse, you are encouraged to contact the Chicago, IL nursing home abuse lawyers at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. Our dedicated team of attorneys can investigate into the matter and gather all the necessary evidence that proves you or your loved one is, in fact, the victim of such abuse. We can then explain what options are available in terms of taking legal action and help you make an informed decision as to which may be the best for you to pursue.

To schedule a consultation to learn more about nursing home financial abuse and how we can serve as an advocate for you and your loved one, contact us today at (312) 384-1920.

Some States Begin to Allow Nursing Home Visitation

July 29, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – For millions of American families, the COVID-19 pandemic has restricted families from visiting their loved ones in nursing homes and assisted living centers. Now, as many states begin to roll back strict policies initially put in place when the pandemic began, some families finally have the opportunity to see their loved ones in person.

With new guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nursing homes are allowed to use more creative measures to allow visits from family members.

What States Allow Nursing Home Visitation?

So far, 26 states are starting to allow nursing home visitation, while 18 others are planning similar visitation guidelines for assisted living facilities.

Nursing homes are allowing visitors; however, visitors will have to follow specific guidelines. These guidelines include:

Families must schedule an appointment to visit residents in advance
Visitors must undergo a temperature check and answer a COVID-19 screening questionnaire
Only 1 or 2 visitors can visit at a time
Visits must take place outside on a patio or garden area
No physical contact such as hugs are allowed
All visits will be supervised by a staff member
Visitors must practice social distancing by remaining 6 feet away from residents and staff

If a resident or staff member develops COVID-19, then the facility will ban all nursing home visitations. State officials may also implement a no-visitation policy if state officials note a significant rise in COVID-19 cases.

Understanding the Risks of Allowing Nursing Home Visitation

After nearly four months in isolation, many families feel relief knowing they can once again visit their loved ones. Between being isolated and COVID-19, the pandemic has taken a serious toll on the physical and mental health of residents nationwide. Residents have very limited interaction with other residents and staff and are confined to being in their rooms most of the time.

It’s important to understand that while this is step in the right direction, there’s also many risks to visiting your loved one in a nursing facility. Nursing home residents are the most vulnerable to contract COVID-19. Nearly 45 percent of COVID-19 deaths have occurred in long-term facilities.

Many families have expressed their concern over their loved one being neglected or abused during the lockdown. Without their involvement and oversight, families are worried their loved one has not received adequate care.

Learn More about Nursing Home Residents Rights

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way everything operates, especially nursing homes; however, nursing home residents still have rights. They have the right to quality care that ensures a safe and healthy life.

If you have concerns regarding the quality of care your loved one is receiving in a nursing home, please contact the experienced attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. Our legal team will help you understand the rights of nursing home residents and ensure that your loved one gets the care he or she deserves. Even during a pandemic, we want you to know your loved one’s legal rights and know that you are not alone.

If you have any questions, please call our office at (312) 384-1920 for a free consultation or visit our website for more information.

Hyundai, Kia Agree to $758 Million Engine Fire Class Action Settlement

July 24, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Hyundai and Kia have reached a $758 million settlement with car owners who claim that their vehicles suffer from premature engine failure which has caused cars to burst into flames. The class action lawsuits allege that the car companies were aware of the defect but did not disclose this information to customers. The settlement includes nearly 4.1 million car owners who bought a number affected vehicles.

According to the motion for approval of the class action settlement, the vehicles that are part of this Class include: “all 2011-2018 and certain 2019 model year Hyundai Sonata vehicles, all 2013-2018 and certain 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles, all 2014-2015, 2018, and certain 2019 Hyundai Tucson vehicles, all 2011-2018 and certain 2019 Kia Optima vehicles, all 2011-2018 and certain 2019 Kia Sorento vehicles, and all 2011-2018 and 2019 Kia Sportage vehicles originally equipped with or replaced with a genuine Theta II 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter gasoline direct injection engine within OEM specifications.”

Due to defects highlight in the settlement agreement, Hyundai and Kia cars reportedly caught fire, resulting in personal injury claims such as property damage and/or physical injury. In extreme circumstances, the defects resulted in houses and/or garages being burned down.

Holding auto manufacturers liable for defective vehicles is never a simple task. At the law office of the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd., we take on tough cases against large corporations, and we know how to fight for your right as a consumer. Call (312) 384-1920 or contact us on our website for a free consultation with a Chicago personal injury attorney.

Sepsis Complications: How Nursing Homes Should Prevent & Treat

July 15, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Infections are one of the leading causes of death in nursing homes throughout the country. Unfortunately, nursing homes can be inattentive to the conditions that give rise to infections and then leave the infections untreated, putting nursing home residents at risk.

An infection that is left untreated can turn into a very dangerous condition called sepsis. When someone develops septic shock, this is how an infection can kill. Sepsis happens when an infection you already have – in your skin, lungs, urinary tract, or somewhere else – triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. A toxic agent is introduced into the bloodstream because of the infection and will begin to result in organ failure. If you do not seek medical treatment in a timely manner, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

There are numerous symptoms that may occur, with some of the more severe ones including:

Abnormal heart function including a very rapid heart rate
Significant pain and discomfort
Difficulty breathing
Disorientation or delirium
Unconsciousness

The Stages of Sepsis

Stage One: Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)

Sepsis can be difficult to identify but is typically denoted by a very high or low body temperature, high heart rate, high respiratory rate, high or low white blood cell count and a known or suspected infection. For sepsis, two of the mentioned SIR signs, as well as an infection, must be present.

Stage Two: Severe Sepsis

Severe sepsis is diagnosed when acute organ dysfunction begins. Severe sepsis can be diagnosed when sepsis is present along with hypotension, or low blood pressure, or hypoperfusion, the decreased blood flow through an organ.

Organ dysfunction can be characterized by symptoms such as a sudden change in mental state, decreased urine output, decreased blood platelet count, difficulty breathing, abnormal heart pumping function and abdominal pain.

Stage Three: Septic Shock

Septic shock is the most severe stage of sepsis. Septic shock is defined as the presence of hypotension, induced by sepsis, despite fluid resuscitation. Septic shock has the highest chance of mortality, with estimates that range from 30% to 50%.

Symptoms of Septic Shock

Septic shock is accompanied by the following symptoms:

Little to no urination
Blood clots throughout the body that can lead to organ failure
Very low or high temperature
Extremely low blood pressure
Palpitations

Even if the nursing home resident is about to survive septic shock, it will have long-term ramifications on their health and they likely will not make a full recovery.

Early detection of sepsis is necessary in order for a nursing home resident to have a better chance at survival; however, when a resident is a victim of nursing home neglect, they likely are not receiving the care that they need to notice the signs of sepsis and begin prompt treatment. This becomes more of a problem at understaffed nursing homes that are prone to neglect.

Medical Treatment for Patients with Sepsis

When a nursing home does diagnose and treat sepsis, the course of treatment begins with antibiotics. Some patients may need to have procedures to remove dead skin or tissue depending on the severity of the infection. Patients may also need oxygen or other intravenous fluids to maintain the level of oxygen and blood going to the organ so organ failure can be prevented. Patients can recover from mild sepsis in about three to ten days; however, more severe cases can take longer to recover if the patient is able to survive at all. Severe sepsis requires critical care for a month or more.

Sepsis and Pressure Ulcers

Sepsis is also how pressure ulcers can become fatal. There are four stages of a pressure ulcer: Stage I and II is the first discoloration of the skin and a small ulcer. Stage III is when a small crater in the skin begins to degenerate to a Stage IV pressure ulcer where the hole in the skin gets deeper and can reach the muscle. When the hole in the skin becomes large enough and is untreated, the resident can develop sepsis from the infection. A pressure ulcer can become septic, though the ones that are more advanced have a higher change of becoming infected. The wounds can leak puss and give off a foul smell. There can also be an increased in pain in the area and a fever.

Pressure ulcers should not form in the first place, but if they do, they should not reach the level of sepsis. If your loved one has developed sepsis, there is a high chance that the nursing home did not provide the level of care that it was legally obligated to, causing your family member to develop a life-threatening infection.

Nearly 25,000 residents in nursing homes will die from sepsis, and most of these deaths are preventable. Thousands of nursing homes each year are cited by the federal government for their failure to prevent and treat pressure ulcers.

Has Your Loved One Been Injured by a Nursing Home’s Failure to Treat an Infection? Get Legal Help Now

The experienced attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group have handled numerous cases over the years where nursing home residents have died from infected pressure ulcers and other severe infections due to nursing home negligence. If your loved one has been injured or died from neglect at a nursing home, call us today at (312) 384-1920 to set up your free consultation. Please visit our website for additional information.

The “Big Three” Misdiagnoses

July 7, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – When you visit a doctor’s office or a hospital with a concern, you trust that your healthcare provider is doing everything possible to help you find what’s wrong and address any concerns you may have. Unfortunately, misdiagnoses are more common than what many people realize.

A recent study by The John Hopkins University found that one in 10 people have who have a “Big Three” disease are initially misdiagnosed. Over half of the patients who were given an incorrect or delayed diagnosis developed a severe disability or died. These misdiagnoses can result in medical malpractice and those who have been affected by them have the right to seek compensation for their healthcare provider’s negligence.

The “Big Three” diseases are vascular events such as myocardial infarction and strokes, infections such as sepsis, and cancers because they are the most likely to cause harm in a patient who are misdiagnosed. Researchers selected these illnesses because they are the diseases most commonly referenced in medical misdiagnosis lawsuits.

A misdiagnosis can have catastrophic results. A large number of medical malpractice lawsuits stem from the misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of a medical condition, illness, or injury. Delaying treatment for vascular events such as a heart attack or stroke by a matter of minutes can be the difference between life or death. Other diseases like cancer develop at a slower pace. It may take months or years to adversely affect the patient’s health. When doctor’s misdiagnosis cancer, they allow the illness to become extremely severe, and therefore, difficult to treat.

In general, doctors tend to misdiagnosis less common diseases more often than common ones. This may bebecause physicians may have a lack of available screening tests; however, it can be caused by a doctor’s lack of training. Negligent doctors may be unwilling to pursue a diagnosis of a less common disease because of how unlikely it may seem that the patient would have it.

If you have been seriously harmed or have lost a family due to a healthcare providers negligence or misdiagnosis, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. The dedicated attorneys at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. have decades of experience successfully handling medical misdiagnosis cases. Our law firm has the resources to call on expert witnesses who can help us gain an even deeper understanding of the details of your situation. Our firm has the knowledge and skills needed to take your case to trial if a full and fair medical malpractice settlement cannot be reached.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a trusted medical malpractice attorney or visit our website for more information.

Cómo encontrar un hogar de ancianos de calidad durante una pandemia

July 1, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – El nuevo coronavirus está desarraigando muchas áreas de la vida de personas de todo el mundo. Para las familias que consideran el cuidado de un hogar de ancianos para sus seres queridos, está causando que las personas reconsideren ese movimiento. Los hogares de ancianos han sido el epicentro de los brotes de coronavirus, lo que ciertamente puede generar preocupación; sin embargo, esto no significa que deba dejar de buscar hogares de ancianos.

Si bien COVID-19 es ciertamente un factor de riesgo que uno debe considerar, las familias también deben considerar el brote de abuso y enfermedades en hogares de ancianos que ocurren diariamente en entornos de hogares de ancianos. No importa cuáles sean las preocupaciones, hay algunas cosas que las familias pueden hacer para investigar y encontrar un hogar de ancianos de calidad para sus seres queridos, incluso durante una pandemia.

Determinar un presupuesto

Uno de los primeros pasos al elegir un hogar de ancianos es determinar lo que su familia puede pagar. Primero, comience determinando cuánto cuidado necesita su ser querido. ¿Él o ella requieren atención médica diaria y supervisión? ¿Necesita él o ella atención limitada, como asistencia con las comidas o recordatorios de medicamentos? Estas son cosas que influirán en el costo.

Determinar la cantidad de atención que necesita su ser querido ayudará a determinar si necesita atención asistida o atención en un hogar de ancianos. Esto también lo ayudará a reducir su presupuesto, lo que reducirá su campo de opciones.

Los hogares de ancianos pueden ser más caros porque requieren personal más especializado, personal de enfermería y atención médica. Los hogares de ancianos tienden a tener regulaciones mucho más estrictas, como las regulaciones para el personal, los servicios y la seguridad alimentaria. Por otro lado, las instalaciones de vivienda asistida tienen regulaciones menos restringidas porque hay menos participación en las necesidades diarias de sus residentes.

Use los recursos en línea para su búsqueda

Existen varios recursos y herramientas legítimos en línea que puede utilizar para ayudar a identificar y revisar hogares de ancianos que pueda estar considerando. Si está considerando un centro que acepta Medicaid o Medicare, el mejor lugar para comenzar su búsqueda es utilizar la herramienta de comparación de asilos de ancianos de Medicare. Esta herramienta es excelente para usar porque tienen datos sobre personal, datos sobre incidentes y pueden indicarle la cantidad de residentes que han sufrido úlceras de decúbito.

También puede encontrar información a través de la oficina del Ombudsman de atención a largo plazo de su estado. El Programa de Defensoría del Cuidado a Largo Plazo ofrece información importante sobre hogares de ancianos y centros de asistencia.

Visitar las instalaciones

Antes de decidirse por un hogar de ancianos, es importante visitar primero las instalaciones. No se conforme con una reunión informal con el administrador: hable con los miembros del personal que potencialmente cuidarán a su ser querido. Solicite reunirse con el director de enfermería y los asistentes de enfermería (CNA). Estas son las personas que más interactuarán y cuidarán a su ser querido. Es importante tomar nota de lo que dicen y de sus actitudes. ¿Tienen un comportamiento malo? ¿Parecen disfrutar de su trabajo? ¿Parecen cansados o abrumados? Observe cómo se encuentran ahora e imagine cómo responderán a las necesidades de sus seres queridos durante un turno difícil.

Haz más que una visita guiada

La mayoría de los hogares de ancianos ofrecen una visita guiada a las instalaciones y muestran dónde dormirá su ser querido, el área de actividades y el comedor. Esta es una excelente manera de ver una descripción general de la instalación y lo que tienen para ofrecer, pero esta no debería ser la única forma de evaluar la instalación. Cuando visite, tenga en cuenta algunas cosas:

Residentes: ¿los residentes parecen estar bien cuidados? ¿Parecen ser felices? ¿Se están moviendo activamente?
Servicio de alimentos: tome nota de cómo son las comidas y cómo reaccionan los residentes. ¿Parecen disfrutarlo? ¿Los residentes se quejan de la calidad de la comida?
Olores: ¿notas olor, orina o productos de limpieza fuertes?
Suena: ¿Suena agradable? ¿Hay música sonando? ¿Escuchas a los residentes molestos que lloran o se quejan?

Al visitar un hogar de ancianos, estos son factores importantes a tener en cuenta. Si algo le parece mal, es probable que sea una señal de que este no es el mejor hogar de ancianos adecuado para su ser querido.

Discuta cuestiones importantes antes de firmar el papeleo

Una vez que haya reducido su lista de posibles hogares de ancianos, es importante discutir ciertos temas antes de firmar cualquier papeleo. Es importante hablar sobre los registros médicos de sus seres queridos, ya que no puede asumir que tendrá acceso a sus registros médicos una vez que vivan en el centro. Pregúntele al centro qué requieren para asegurarse de tener toda la información médica relevante para ayudar a tomar decisiones médicas.

También debe hablar sobre el plan para el cuidado de su ser querido. Pregúntele al centro de atención de ancianos cómo establecen un plan de atención para los residentes. La mayoría de las instalaciones tendrán una reunión con el personal de enfermería para discutir las necesidades de los residentes donde las familias deben estar presentes.

¿Le preocupa la atención de sus seres queridos en un hogar de ancianos?

Si tiene preguntas o inquietudes sobre la atención que recibe su ser querido en un hogar de ancianos, comuníquese con los abogados de Dinizulu Law Group. Ayudamos a las familias a comprender sus derechos y opciones legales para garantizar que sus seres queridos estén seguros. Para solicitar una consulta gratuita, llame al (312) 384-1920 o visite nuestro sitio web para obtener más información.

Bicyclist Ran Over in Chicago Neighborhood, Avondale

June 26, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – A bicyclist was hit and critically injured by a city vehicle on Tuesday morning in the Avondale neighborhood located on the city’s northwest side.

The incident happened around 8:30 a.m. on the corner of W. Belmont Ave. and N. Milwaukee Ave.

Witnesses say a female bicyclist was struck and dragged by a city maintenance truck as its driver made a right turn at a busy intersection. The truck driver did not stop right away, and onlookers had to jump in front of the vehicle to tell the driver to stop, according to ABC 7. The driver reportedly told investigators that the bicyclist was in his blind spot.

The 31-year-old woman was taken to the hospital in serious but stable condition. The 48-year-old male driver of the truck was taken to a Swedish hospital for observation.

Residents in this area say the intersection is full of blind spots for drivers and pedestrians and is dangerous. The Chicago Police Department’s Major Accidents unit is investigating the incident.

Motor Vehicle Fatality Rates Jump Despite Quarantines

June 17, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – There has been much less traffic on the roads because of the novel coronavirus that has resulted in the closing of non-essential businesses and stay-at-home orders that have been in place since mid-March. There has been a reduction in car crashes; however, in some places the number of deaths from car accidents has decreased while others have increased.

Pandemic Traffic Crash Statistics
Some cities and states have seen a significant increase in dangerous car crashes during the pandemic. Through the first three months of 2020, the following states have experienced notable increases in the number of roadway deaths: Arkansas (16%), California (8%), Connecticut (42%), Illinois (11%), Louisiana (23%), Nevada (10%), New York (17%), North Carolina (10%), Oklahoma (9%), Tennessee (6%), and Texas (6%).

States with notable decreases include: Arizona (-4%), Hawaii (-32%), Idaho (-28%), Iowa (-13%), Maryland (-13%), Michigan (-12%), Oregon (-24%), and South Carolina (-12%).

Many people die from roadway accidents, especially during holiday weekends. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimated over Memorial Day weekend that 366 may die on U.S. roads. If the estimate holds, it will be the lowest number of fatalities for the holiday period since 2014.

Reasons for an Increase in Accidents
Reports indicate speeding has increased significantly since traffic has lessened. Some states are moving towards “ill-advised” roadway tactics intended to address the pandemic such as repealing requirements for teen drivers to pass road tests before acquiring licenses and relaxing hours of service rules for commercial vehicle drivers.

Distracted driving may also be more prevalent since there is less traffic, so drivers get a false sense of security and begin to use less caution. Drivers figure they have more time to react, so its OK to look at their cellphone.

“What really strikes me is the incredible speed of the changes we’re seeing on a roadways,” Ken Kolosh, manager of statistics at the National Safety Council, told NPR. “Looking at other recessions what you usually see is a decrease in the number of deaths, or the injuries and fatality rate holding steady or decreasing slightly.”

Driver Precaution
Practicing defensive driving is always important, and it is particularly important during the pandemic, as drivers may be much more reckless. To help ensure safer roads, NSC urges people to do the following while on the road:

Follow state and local directives and stay off the roads if officials have directed you to do so; many states are asking drivers to stay home unless it’s an emergency situation or for essential errands
Obey speed limits, even if roads are clear and traffic is light
Practice defensive driving: Buckle up, designate a sober driver if you’re going out drinking or arrange alternative transportation, get plenty of sleep to avoid fatigue, and avoid distractions
Be aware of increased pedestrians and bicycle traffic as people turn more to walking and biking to get out of their house safely during quarantine
Stay engaged with teen drivers’ habits and practice with them frequently (tips available here)
Organizations and employers are encouraged to join the Road to Zero Coalition, a group committed to eliminating roadway deaths by 2050

NSC collects fatality data monthly from all 50 states and the District of Columbia and uses data from the National Center of Health Statistics, so deaths occurring within one year of the crash on public and private roadways–such as parking lots and driveways–are included in the estimates. NSC motor vehicle crashes and estimates for each state can be reviewed here.

Injured in an Auto Accident? Our Licensed Attorneys Can Help

If you suffered injuries in a car crashed caused by someone’s negligence, or you lost a loved one in an accident, please call the Dinizulu Law Group for a free consultation. We may be able to help you seek compensation for your damages. With more than 50 years of experience, our legal team has protected and brought justice to victims and their families through Chicago and Illinois. Due to the statute of limitations, it’s important you inquire with an experienced attorney immediately to preserve your legal rights. For a free consultation, call (312) 384-1920 or visit our website for more information.