Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse Lawyer in Westport, CT

At Buckley Wynne & Parese, we understand how gut-wrenching it is to have to place a loved one in a nursing home. We expect them to be safe and well taken care of but that isn't always the case. Nursing home neglect and abuse remain a distressing problem across the United States and in Connecticut.

In addition to individuals in home health care, care service centers, and hospice care, there are over 20,000 residents in 217 nursing homes across the State of Connecticut. And unfortunately, a substantial amount of preventable abuse and neglect occur at these facilities. If you or a loved one is a victim of nursing home neglect and/or abuse, contact Buckley Wynne & Parese immediately. Our Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse Westport attorneys are well respected in the community for their exceptional legal service and their ability to protect their clients’ legal rights and interests.  They will meet you anywhere and at any time, whether that’s a hospital, a home, a restaurant, or the office for a free, confidential consultation.

Types of Abuse & Neglect

• Assault & Battery (kicking, shaking, threatening)
• Lack of Care for Existing Problems
• Willful Deprivation
• Sexual Assault & Battery
• Unreasonable Physical Restraint or Seclusion
• Unreasonable Chemical Restraint

U.S. News Health: 9 Warning Signs of Bad Care

1. Marked Emotional or Physical Changes
2. Unanswered or Deflected Questions from Staff
3. Frantic, Discordant, or Inadequate Staff
4. High Staff Turnover
5. “I Don’t Want So-and-So to Care for Me.”
6. Constantly Ringing Phones and Unanswered Call Lights
7. Dehydration and Malnourishment
8. Status Quo Reigns
9. A Bad Feeling

Source: U.S. News & World Report

The Nursing Home Reform Act

The Nursing Home Reform Act was established to advance nursing home residents’ rights and to ensure residents receive the “highest practicable” care. Residents are entitled to the following services under this Act.

• Access to Nursing, Social & Rehabilitation Services
• Periodic Assessment
• Access to Dietary & Pharmaceutical Services
• A Resided-Specific Comprehensive Care Plan
• Access to a Full-Time Social Worker (if the facility has over 120 beds)

In order for a nursing home facility to receive Medicare and Medicaid funding, The Resident’s Bill of Rights was established to ensure residents are provided care that is free from abuse, isolation and improper medical treatment.  

The Resident’s Bill of Rights:

Nursing Home Residents have the Right to…

• Privacy
• Be Treated with Dignity
• Exercise Self-Determination
• Live in a Caring Environment Free from Abuse, Mistreatment and   Neglect
• Live Without the Fear of Enduring Physical Restrain
• Receive Personal Care that Accommodates Physical, Medical, Emotional and Social Needs
• Social Contact/Interaction with Fellow Residents and Family Members
• Exercise Freedom of Speech and Communicate Freely
• Participate in the Creation and Review of One’s Individualized Care Plan
• Be Fully Informed in Advance of Any Changes to Care Plan or Status of the Nursing Home
• Voice Grievances without Discrimination or Reprisal

Nursing Home Compare

Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare website provides consumers and their families vital information for choosing a nursing home. Their database of over 15,000 nursing homes around the country will help you compare the following:

• General Information
  • Health Inspection Rating
  • Staffing Rating
  • Quality Measures Rating
  • Ownership
• Staffing Levels
  • indent Average Number of Residents Compared to RN Hours Per Resident, Nurse Aide Per Resident, Physical Therapy Staff Per Resident
• Quality Measures
  • indent Ratings on Short-Stay vs. Long-Stay Quality of Resident Care,
  • indent Percentages of Residents who were Re-Hospitalized or Experienced a Fall
  • indent Rate of Successful Return Home
• Health Inspections
  • indent Date of Most Recent Inspection
  • indent Total Number of Health Citation
  • indent Information on Complaint Inspection
• Fire Inspections
  • indent Date of Most Recent Inspection
  • indent Date of Most Recent Inspection
  • indent Total Number of Fire Safety Citations

Buckley Wynne & Parese Wants to Help

Here at BWP, we understand the profound effects situations of neglect and abuse can have on victims and their families. Early investigation is necessary to identify all responsible parties. If you or a loved one is a victim of a nursing home's negligence and/or wrongdoing in Westport, contact us today.