Is Your Loved One’s Nursing Home Providing Proper Diabetic Care?
Diabetes has become an increasingly serious problem in the U.S. in recent decades, especially among the elderly. In fact, some studies reveal that as many as 25 percent of nursing home residents suffer from diabetes and related complications, with their risk significantly increasing as they age. As with any medical condition, it is the responsibility of long-term care facilities to provide diabetic care for residents who require it. Unfortunately, proper care and treatment isn’t always provided, which can leave residents suffering from a variety of side effects and medical conditions, some of which could be life-threatening. To learn more about the level of care that nursing homes are required to provide their residents and how to hold those facilities accountable for their failure to provide that care, please call our dedicated Tulsa lack of care lawyers today.
Diabetes-Related Risks
Diabetes is a complicated condition that, when left untreated, or when treated improperly, can have severe repercussions. This is especially true for elderly nursing home residents who are more likely to suffer from the following conditions if their blood glucose levels are not kept within the acceptable ranges:
- Chronic conditions, like stroke, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease;
- Depression;
- Reduced cognitive function;
- Persistent pain;
- Kidney failure;
- Problems with eyesight;
- Peripheral neuropathy; and
- An increased risk of falls.
All of these issues, while serious for anyone, are particularly dangerous for elderly residents who generally have a much more difficult time recovering after an illness. In some tragic cases, a lack of care could even result in the wrongful death of the resident.
Diabetic Care in Nursing Homes
Nursing home staff members have several areas of responsibility for the care of patients with diabetes. Some of these duties, for instance, require hands-on care of residents, such as the administration of the proper medications, including insulin injections. Employees are also responsible for using a glucose meter to monitor residents’ blood sugar and to adjust their diets and medications accordingly.
Nursing home employees are also required, however, to oversee other aspects of diabetes-related care, which includes creating a menu for the resident, monitoring how much he or she eats, and helping the resident make food choices that limit the fat and cholesterol in his or her diet. Residents who have difficulty swallowing, on the other hand, may instead need to receive their nutrition in a liquid form, which can increase a resident’s blood glucose levels. It is the staff’s responsibility to account for this type of diet and adjust a resident’s medications accordingly.
Speak with a Dedicated Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer
If the improper care of your own loved one led to an avoidable diabetes-related complication, filing a nursing home neglect lawsuit could help you hold the at-fault parties accountable. To learn more, please reach out to the dedicated Tulsa lack of care lawyers at Levinson Law, P.C. You can set up a free consultation with a member of our legal team by calling our office at 918-492-4433 or by completing one of our online contact forms.
Resource:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4522888/
