Any nursing home within the U.S.A who receives funds through Medicare and Medicaid must comply with specific provisions within the Nursing Home Reform Act (OBRA 1987).
The provisions of the Act include minimum standards designed to ensure that a nursing home provides “services and activities to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental and psychosocial well-being of each resident.”
As part of these standards, a nursing home must develop and maintain a comprehensive care plan for each of its patients/residents.
A care plan is written by health care professionals responsible for the patient’s care. This may include a nurse, a doctor, a dietitian and any support staff. They should meet with the patient and family members to determine what the patient’s needs are. The plan should outline who is responsible for what type of care the patient requires.
The care plan will help the nursing home staff in documenting the patient/resident’s condition and any changes that may occur over time. The plan should detail whether the patient is able to do things like feed themselves, walk unassisted and is aware and recognize their surroundings.
A care plan is designed for your family member to receive the best care possible from the nursing home and ensure that they are receiving quality care in a safe environment.
Often times, a failure to follow a care plan happens when the facility is understaffed. If you believe that a loved one is being abused contact the administrator of the facility as soon as possible. Contact the Long Term Care Ombudsman in your State as well as notifying Medicare/Medicaid of the alleged abuse. The most important things is to stop the abuse.
If you believe that your loved one has been neglect or abused, or if the neglect or abuse has lead to serious injury or death of a loved one, contact our office immediately at 866-559-0097 to speak with one of our experienced Illinois nursing home abuse attorneys.
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