California Elder Law Attorney Blog

In real life, Sepsis begins as a bacterial infection at a single source, an open wound such as a fourth degree bed sore, pressure sore or decubitus ulcer. Urinary tract infections that remain untreated could also lead to Sepsis and Septic shock causing the death of the infected individual. Which, if uncontrolled, shall spread and become a systemic attack on the body's kidneys, liver, lungs and central nervous system.

It presents as simple sepsis, then moves to severe sepsis and, finally, to septic shock. It can run its entire course within hours. While the condition can be treated successfully, it can present grave challenges. Unless it's stopped at its earliest stage, sepsis can claim one life in every two it invades. More than 200,000 Americans died last year of sepsis. Sepsis care in the last year amounted to $2 billion in the United States.

Complicating its diagnosis are accompanying chronic conditions that can make a patient more vulnerable to sepsis but may also distract a doctor from identifying it. Without a strong understanding of the basics of sepsis, the odds of recognizing a more-sophisticated presentation of the condition are zero.

Continue reading "Sepsis is A Bacterial Infection of the Blood Which If Left Untreated Will Cause Death Indicated Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck" »

In real life, sepsis begins as a bacterial infection at a single source, an open wound such as a fourth degree bed sore, pressure sore or decubitus ulcer. Urinary tract infections that remain untreated could lead to Sepsis and Septic shock causing the death of the infected individual. which, if uncontrolled, spread to become a systemic attack on the body's kidneys, liver, lungs and central nervous system.

It presents as simple sepsis, then moves to severe sepsis and, finally, to septic shock. It can run its entire course within hours. While the condition can be treated successfully, it can present grave challenges. Unless it's stopped at its earliest stage, sepsis can claim one life in every two it invades. More than 200,000 Americans died last year of sepsis. Sepsis care in the last year amounted to $2 billion in the United States.

Complicating its diagnosis are accompanying chronic conditions that can make a patient more vulnerable to sepsis but may also distract a doctor from identifying it. Without a strong understanding of the basics of sepsis, the odds of recognizing a more-sophisticated presentation of the condition are zero.

Family members are often confused when a loved one dies and the death certificate shows sepsis as the cause of death. Actually sepsis is very common primarily among the elderly. It is in fact one of the leading causes of deaths in hospitals. Thousands and thousands of men and women die due to sepsis.

Sepsis starts as a result of an infection. Common sources of infections include open wounds, bed sores and urinary tract infections. Sources of infections such as those listed above are very common in elderly men and women in hospitals/nursing homes/rehabilitation facilities.

The crucial element for the survival of sepsis is early treatment. When the infection goes untreated it sepsis can worsen and as it does the patient's chances of surviving are significantly reduced. Once the patient goes through septic shock the likelihood of survival drops to roughly fifty percent.

It is very important for people to be knowledgeable about the risks from infections and to talk to their physician in the event they notice symptoms or have any health related issues.

Continue reading "Sepsis Is One of the Leading Causes of Death in Nursing Homes and Long Term Care Facilities Indicates Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck" »

■ A resident being left in agony for two weeks with an undiagnosed broken leg.

■A man who received just one bath in 22 days.

■Residents being asked to use newspaper instead of toilet rolls in the bathroom.

■ A vulnerable man on a liquid-only diet being given a plate of hamburger and chips.

■ A Elderly woman left in her feces getting into her stage four bedsore to become infected causing her death

■ A a man so Dehydrated and Malnourished that he lost total kidney functions

Care was undermined by chronic staff shortages and "overworked" nurses and nursing assistants.

The complete lack of respect and dignity shown to residents, coupled with poor standards of care, are a damning indictment of the elder health care system that must now be radically reformed or more elders will continue to be severely neglected and abused says Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck.

In one case, an elderly man endured a series of healthcare blunders, which led to his rapid deterioration and death. An investigation revealed he had suffered a pressure sore that went untreated for so long it turned into a wound one inch deep by two wide.

Continue reading "Elders Shall Continue to Be Abused and Neglected Unless Their Treatment is Radically Controlled says Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck" »

Financial stability is considered a mark of people in middle and old age (40 and older). Consider the fact that 70 percent of our nation's wealth is controlled by people over age 50. But just as banks are interested in this, so, too, are criminals. This sets up older adults for a variety of theft schemes and scams. Simply stated, thieves know that older adults have money and see this as a window of opportunity. This is especially true when older adults need in-home assistance with activities of daily living (for example, bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding oneself, etc.).

The prevention of elderly abuse by dishonest caregivers is a significant socioeconomic problem. Legislation is needed now to control this kind of elder abuse.

It is estimated that the number of elderly (that is, people between the ages of 65 and 84) will grow by almost 31 million people between 2010 and 2040. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that there will be 6.5 million people needed to care for the elderly by 2050. In short, this translates to 6.5 million possibilities for elder abuse at the hands of dishonest caregivers. In summary, the enactment of a statewide law requiring caregivers (be they private or public) to pass a criminal background check would address this socioeconomic injustice. Our state's elderly population deserves as much.

Continue reading "Elderly Caregiving Needs to Be Effectively Controlled by Legislation" »