Nursing Home Abuse

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Sage Rehabilitation Hospital SNF Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Attorneys, Baton Rouge

Our nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers hold Louisiana nursing homes accountable

Experiencing nursing home abuse or neglect is a devastating violation of trust that no family should have to endure. When a loved one is placed in a nursing home, it's with the expectation that they will receive the care, respect, and dignity they deserve. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case, and vulnerable residents can suffer from physical, emotional, and financial harm due to negligence or intentional mistreatment. If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it's crucial to act swiftly to protect their rights and well-being. At Garcia & Artigliere, we can help.

Has understaffing at Sage Rehabilitation Hospital SNF led to:

Abuse/assault: Nursing home abuse and assault are serious violations that can leave residents physically and emotionally scarred, undermining their safety and well-being. Such acts of violence or neglect not only breach the duty of care but also demand immediate legal action to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Medication errors: Medication errors in nursing homes can lead to severe health complications, ranging from adverse drug reactions to life-threatening conditions. These mistakes, often caused by negligence or miscommunication, can have devastating consequences for vulnerable residents who rely on proper care.

Incomplete care plans: Incomplete care plans in nursing homes can result in inadequate or inconsistent care, putting residents at risk for serious health issues. When care plans fail to address a resident's specific needs, it can lead to preventable harm and a decline in their overall well-being.

Wandering: Wandering in nursing homes is a dangerous behavior, particularly for residents with cognitive impairments like dementia, as it can lead to accidents or getting lost. Without proper supervision and safety measures, wandering can result in serious injuries or even death, making it crucial for facilities to implement effective monitoring and care strategies.

Elopement: Elopement occurs when a nursing home resident leaves the facility without supervision, putting them at significant risk of harm or injury. This dangerous situation highlights the need for strict security measures and attentive care to prevent vulnerable residents from wandering away unsafely.

Malnutrition: Malnutrition in nursing homes is a serious concern that can lead to weakened immune systems, delayed healing, and a decline in overall health for residents. Often a result of neglect or inadequate care, malnutrition can have devastating effects, particularly for elderly individuals with existing health conditions.

Dehydration: Dehydration in nursing homes can cause severe health issues, including urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and cognitive impairment. Often due to inadequate monitoring or neglect, dehydration poses a significant threat to the well-being of elderly residents.

Infections: Infections in nursing homes can spread quickly and become life-threatening, especially for elderly residents with weakened immune systems. Poor hygiene practices, inadequate infection control, and neglect are common contributors.

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What signs indicate someone in Sage Rehabilitation Hospital SNF is being abused or neglected?

If someone in Sage Rehabilitation Hospital SNF is being abused or neglected, you might notice several warning signs. These include unexplained injuries such as bruises, fractures, or burns; sudden changes in behavior or mood, such as withdrawal, depression, or anxiety; poor hygiene, including soiled clothing or bed linens; weight loss or signs of malnutrition or dehydration; bedsores or other untreated medical conditions; and a general lack of cleanliness in their living environment.

Additionally, if the staff seems evasive, refuses to allow visits, or restricts access to the resident, these could also be red flags indicating potential abuse or neglect.

What rights do Sage Rehabilitation Hospital SNF residents have?

Residents of Sage Rehabilitation Hospital SNF have several key rights to ensure their well-being and dignity:

  • Right to quality care: Residents have the right to receive care that meets professional standards and addresses their medical, psychological, and social needs.
  • Right to privacy: They are entitled to privacy regarding their personal and medical information and their living quarters.
  • Right to dignity and respect: Residents should be treated with dignity and respect, including having their personal preferences and cultural practices honored.
  • Right to participate in care decisions: They have the right to be involved in planning and making decisions about their care, including the right to consent to or refuse treatment.
  • Right to a safe environment: Residents are entitled to a safe and secure environment, free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
  • Right to access medical records: They have the right to access their medical records and be informed about their health status and treatment options.
  • Right to voice concerns: Residents can express grievances or concerns about their care or treatment without fear of retaliation and have access to a formal process for resolving complaints.
  • Right to participate in activities: They should have access to social, recreational, and religious activities that promote their well-being and quality of life.

Who is liable for nursing home abuse and neglect at Sage Rehabilitation Hospital SNF?

Liability for nursing home abuse and neglect at Sage Rehabilitation Hospital SNF can fall on several parties:

  • Nursing home facility: The facility itself can be held liable if it is found to have failed to maintain proper standards of care, neglected its responsibilities, or had inadequate policies and training.
  • Individual staff members: Employees who directly commit abuse or neglect, such as caregivers, nurses, or other staff members, can be held personally liable for their actions.
  • Management and administration: If the abuse or neglect is a result of systemic issues, poor management, or failure to implement effective oversight and training, the facility’s management or administrative staff may be held responsible.
  • Corporate owners: If the nursing home is part of a larger corporation or chain, the corporate owners or operators could be held liable if their policies or practices contributed to the abuse or neglect.
  • Third-party contractors: If external service providers or contractors, such as medical professionals or other services, are involved in the abuse or neglect, they may also be held liable.

In any case, proving liability requires demonstrating that the abuse or neglect resulted from negligence or intentional misconduct and that the responsible party had a duty of care that was breached. The nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere can help with this.

How can you help a Sage Rehabilitation Hospital SNF resident who is being abused or neglected?

If you suspect that a resident at Sage Rehabilitation Hospital SNF is being abused or neglected, there are several steps you can take to help:

  • Report the abuse: Contact the facility’s management or ombudsman to report your concerns. You can also file a complaint with state or local health departments and regulatory agencies that oversee nursing homes.
  • Document evidence: Keep detailed records of any signs of abuse or neglect, including photographs of injuries, notes on changes in behavior, and any conversations with staff or management.
  • Seek legal advice: Consult with the nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere to understand the legal options available for addressing the abuse or neglect and to potentially pursue compensation for the resident.
  • Ensure medical attention: Make sure the resident receives appropriate medical care for any injuries or health issues resulting from the abuse or neglect. This may involve arranging for evaluations by independent healthcare professionals.
  • Support the resident: Provide emotional support and reassurance to the resident, helping them to feel safe and empowered to voice their concerns.
  • Improve care plans: Work with the facility to ensure that the resident’s care plan is comprehensive and addresses their specific needs, and that there are appropriate safeguards in place to prevent further abuse or neglect.

Taking these actions can help protect your loved one and ensure they receive the care and justice they deserve.

Do you have a Baton Rouge nursing home abuse and neglect attorney near me?

At Garcia & Artigliere, we fight aggressively for any nursing home resident who suffers abuse or is harmed due to any type of preventable conduct. We have offices in Louisiana and also meet seniors and families outside the office through video conference or by phone when necessary.

Speak with our trusted Louisiana nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys today

If you suspect that a loved one at Sage Rehabilitation Hospital SNF is being abused or neglected, it’s crucial to take action immediately to protect their well-being. Report any concerns to the facility’s management and relevant regulatory agencies, document all signs of mistreatment, and talk to the attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere to explore your options for holding those responsible accountable. Your vigilance and prompt action can make a significant difference in ensuring that your loved one receives the safe and respectful care they deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our experienced Baton Rouge nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers, call or contact our offices. We proudly serve clients throughout Louisiana.

Please read this important information

Both federal and state laws require skilled nursing facilities such as Sage Rehabilitation Hospital SNF to provide sufficient and competent nursing staffing to meet the needs of their census populations. The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) monitors and regulates skilled nursing facilities on a number of quality measures. Understaffing at skilled nursing facilities often leads to high employee turnover, employee burnout, unsafe working conditions, increased workload and overtime, and unsafe staff to patient ratios. In turn, such understaffing may lead to poor care, lower health inspection ratings, and more instances of abuse and/or neglect.

In its regulatory role, CMS created the Five-Star Rating System[1] that calculates various quality measures based on the data that each facility provides to CMS as part of their respective participation in the Medicare program. According to CMS, “[n]ursing homes with 5 stars are considered to have much above average quality and nursing homes with 1 star are considered to have quality much below average.”[2]

Based on the data provided to CMS, CMS has determined that Sage Rehabilitation Hospital SNF located at 8000 Summa Avenue in Baton Rouge, Louisiana garnered an overall 2 Star Rating and ranks towards the very bottom of that scale – “below average.”[3] On October 24, 2023, Sage Rehabilitation Hospital SNF was cited for multiple deficiencies, which are available to review in inquiring whether those same deficiencies may apply to you or your loved one (e.g., failing to “[p]rovide and implement an infection and control program.”).[4]