Author: mjdadmin

Medication errors, including giving residents the wrong drugs, are all too common in skilled nursing facilities throughout Nevada. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a study of adverse drug events in nursing homes found the rate was almost 10 events for every 100 resident-months. Those who reside in long-term care nursing facilities often require round-the-clock care. While people put their trust in nursing home staff to provide this care for their loved ones, they may make mistakes while carrying out residents’ treatment plans which can have serious medical consequences.

Nursing home residents with dementia have a higher risk of suffering heat stroke, and facilities must take steps to protect them from the heat. Older adults are more susceptible to heat-related injuries or fatalities. They are less able to regulate their body temperatures. Many people with memory loss may take medications that have side effects such as dehydration and reduced sweating that compound the problem. People with dementia may also be less likely to notice heat-related effects. Nursing homes have a duty to protect the people who are in their care. If they fail to protect people with dementia from heat stroke, they may be liable for neglect or abuse.