Few American families live near each other any more. Jobs and opportunities often spread family members from coast to coast. In another era an aged family member who became ill, disabled or unable to care for herself would move in with another family member in the neighborhood. Today's far-flung families simply don't make that a viable option for many Philadelphia families. Complicating matters may be the older person's desire to remain in Philadelphia. As people age, they find comfort in familiar places and old friends. For many aged adults and their families, Philadelphia nursing homes provide the most acceptable care option.
Nursing home patient advocates have found that Philadelphia nursing home patients who are visited regularly by family members receive the best nursing home care. Regular visits allow family members to monitor patient care issues, notice changes in care or behavior and advocate for their family member when necessary. While many family members do not live close enough to regularly visit their relatives in Philadelphia nursing homes, even the most far-flung families generally gather for the holidays. Holiday visits offer an excellent opportunity to check up on family members living in nursing homes and ensure that they are receiving quality care.
Behavioral changes, bruises, bed sores, broken bones, reports of falls, weight changes, confusion, complaints or fear of staff can be signs of serious nursing home abuse, patient advocates warn. Since some of these changes can also be a normal part of the aging process or signs of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease, thorough investigation by a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer experienced in nursing home abuse may be necessary to determine whether nursing home abuse has occurred and the extent of possible abuse. For more detailed information on signs of Philadelphia nursing home abuse to watch for, click here.
