A new study by the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality, Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., and Abt Associates has found that three-fifths of long-stay nursing home hospitalizations could have been avoided.
According to an article on McKnights.com, hospitalizations that could have been avoided included those for infections, injuries, and congestive heart failure. The study examined clinical risk factors, facility characteristics, and state policy in relation to hospitalizations. The clinical risk factors included renal disease, diabetes, and a high number of medications. Also included as potentially avoidable risk factors were staffing, quality, and reimbursement.
By identifying risks, the study hopes to help in the design of clinical strategies to reduce hospitalizations.
Because our law offices handle nursing home neglect cases, we like to keep informed of the latest studies and news regarding elder care. And we applaud any efforts towards better care for our aging loved ones and the elderly population. If you have a loved one who is in a nursing home and is not receiving adequate care, you may have a case. Contact the attorneys at O’Connor Law for a free review of your case.