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Blog 
Nursing Home Abuse
- Is the multistate nursing compact putting our Virginia elders at risk?
- Virginia nursing home supervisor refuses to take blame for abuse
- Beware sweet-talking financial abusers targeting elders in Virginia
- Eye Opening Facts about Virginia Elder Abuse & Neglect
- Questions for suspected cases of Virginia elder abuse / neglect
Firm News
Virginia Nursing Home Administrator embroiled in abuse complaints
Posted on 7/31/2010
More elder abuse scams target vulnerable Virginia citizens
Posted on 7/31/2010
This Memorial Day, Focus on Abuse of Veterans in Nursing Homes
Posted on 5/31/2010
Virginia Beach nursing home with violations will retain govn’t funding
Posted on 4/29/2010
Virginia Beach nursing home may lose Medicare and Medicaid funding
Posted on 3/31/2010
Jury awards senior $7.75 million in nursing home abuse lawsuit
Posted on 2/27/2010
Kickbacks lead to nursing home residents being prescribed drugs
Posted on 1/29/2010
Virginia Beach nurse implicated in nursing home identity theft
Posted on 1/29/2010
Cases of nursing home abuse and neglect may go up over the holiday season
Posted on 11/30/2009
Senators pushing back against DEA narcotics crackdown affecting nursing home residents
Posted on 10/31/2009
Firm Library
Nursing Home Abuse
- Suspect financial elder abuse? Your local Virginia bank teller could be an unexpected ally
- Nursing home abuse and neglect in Virginia – a bigger problem than anyone realizes
- Virginia Elder Abuse: It Can Happen Anywhere
- Fighting for the Rights of Nursing Home Residents: the Healthcare Bill Targets Elder Abuse
- Mandatory Reporting of Virginia Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
Falls in Nursing Homes CAN and SHOULD be Prevented
Every year around 1,800 nursing home residents die as the result of a fall, and tragically many of these accidents could have been avoided. Even if a fall does not kill, the resulting injuries and physical limitations can dramatically reduce the quality of a nursing home resident’s life.
If you have a loved one in a nursing home, assisted living facility or long-term care residence then you may be wondering what steps can be taken to prevent a deadly nursing home fall before it happens.
Preventing nursing home slips and falls
- Have a doctor check your loved one’s bone strength using a bone mineral density test. If a resident’s bones are weak, the doctor may be able to make recommendations to make them stronger.
- Find out the last time the resident’s hearing and sight were tested. Even small deficiencies or changes in either can make an elderly person more likely to trip and fall.
- If a resident is on medication – over the counter or prescription – make sure that somebody is watching for side effects or an adverse reaction that could make the resident more susceptible to a fall.
- Make sure the resident has a cane, walking stick, or walker readily available to help them get around safely.
- Check to see if the resident has non-slip soles on their shoes and slippers so they are less likely to slip and fall on uncarpeted surfaces.
- Check the nursing home and make sure that it is well-lit and free of clutter. A dim, messy room or hall can lead to falls and other accidents.
- If there are area rugs, check to see if they are held in place with no-slip strips or a carpet pad. Better yet, move them out of the way if possible. Area rugs are a tripping hazard.
- Make sure grab bars in rooms and bathrooms are at the right height and are firmly affixed to the wall. Loose bars should be firmly reattached and bars should be added to areas where they would benefit residents (i.e. in the stairwell and near the toilet, tub and shower).
- Check if night-lights and light-switches are appropriately located so residents don’t have to fumble in the dark and risk a fall.
- Make sure the nursing home maintains the residents’ rooms and common areas at a comfortable temperature. If residents become too warm or too cold they can become dizzy and fall.
The truth is that falls and slips don’t just “happen” – there is usually a reason. Please do not hesitate to get help if you suspect nursing home neglect or abuse. The experienced attorneys at the Norfolk based law firm of Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C. will discuss your concerns with you for no cost or obligation.
Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C.
112 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510
Toll Free: (800) 690-0235
Phone: (757) 622-7740
Fax: (757) 533-9223
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Michael S. Weisberg, P.C.
112 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 622-7740
Fax: (757) 533-9223
Toll Free: (800) 690-0235
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