The story is all too common. A loved one is hospitalized following an illness, fall and fracture or for a routine surgery. During the hospitalization, the patient is effectively bed-bound and becomes deconditioned. In order to obtain the strength to return home and enjoy their independent lifestyle, they are often referred to a “rehabilitation center” or “rehab facility.” Make no mistake about it, “rehabilitation center” and “rehab facility” are just more pleasant sounding terms for what is actually a nursing home. Most nursing homes are divided into two distinct parts: one wing devoted to long term care of residents and the other to the rehabilitation of patients discharged from a local hospital. The rehab wing is the cash cow of the nursing home corporation because Medicare pays for most rehab stays.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) tracks events and compiles statistics for hospital readmissions from rehabilitation centers or nursing homes. Astoundingly, CMS has found that approximately one-third (33%) of all patients entering a rehabilitation center end up back in the hospital following a problem or issue that develops (often through negligence) at the nursing home. Many of those folks never make it back home. There are quite a few problems that can arise in rehabilitation centers as a result of negligence, neglect and abuse, including:
- Bed Sores / Pressure Injuries
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Dysphagia & Choking
- Catheter Related Injuries
- Medication Abuse
- Fall with Fractures
- Physical & Sexual Abuse
- Serious Infections
- Burns
- Bowel Impactions
- Scabies & Pests
- Head Injuries
- Dehydration & Malnutrition
- UTIs and Sepsis
- Poisoning & Septicemia
- Medication Errors
- Wrongful Death
- Unexplained Injuries
If you have questions about the suspected negligence, neglect or abuse occurring in an Ohio nursing home that harmed you or a loved one, call today for a Free Consultation (330) 248-5252. James Edwin Keim, Ohio Rehabilitation Center Abuse and Neglect Lawyer.