Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog

County-Run Nursing Homes in Pennsylvania Struggle to Stay Afloat

Published on: November 26, 2012 | O'Connor Law

It’s become a necessary but unwanted trend across the state: counties that still own nursing homes are deciding to cut back on service or find new sources of money to make up for declining medical assistance payments. It’s cutting into their revenue while costs such as pay and benefits for employees continue to rise.

An article on the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review online points out that at one time, 50 counties in Pennsylvania had county-operated nursing homes. But according to the Pennsylvania Association of County Affiliated Homes, only 29 counties now run a total of 33 nursing homes.

Michael Witt, executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of County Affilitated Homes says, “It’s not just county nursing homes; most nursing homes are struggling. It’s simply because the state has failed to keep up the reimbursements with the expenses.”

Senators Advocate for Passage of Bill to Prevent Misuse of Antipsychotics in Nursing Homes

Published on: November 25, 2012 | O'Connor Law

It’s an unfortunate situation that’s being played out in nursing homes across the country: antipsychotic drugs being used on residents of long-term care facililties as chemical restraints.

According to TheConsumerVoice.org, patients in these facilities are being placed on antipsychotic medications, even though they have no proper diagnosis to warrant their use. For example, 26% of all nursing home residents are given antipsychotic medication and use is higher with dementia patients (nearly 40%).

What’s shocking is that the risks from these medications are sometimes not discussed with residents or their families, even though the Food and Drug Administration (FDS) has warned that these patients are at risk of medical complications and death from taking this type of medication. In long-term care patients, antipsychotic medications can:

Happy Thanksgiving from O’Connor Law

Published on: November 22, 2012 | O'Connor Law

Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at O’Connor Law.

Golden Ridge Personal Care Home to Close

Published on: November 21, 2012 | O'Connor Law

Instead of preparing for the holidays, residents of a Berks County nursing home are preparing to find a new place to live. That’s because this week, the owner of Golden Ridge Personal Care Home in Robesonia announced that they will be closing due to taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service.

According to an article on WFMZ.com, the owner, Lynn Zerbe, said, “It’s very difficult, but unfortunately, with the back taxes for the I.R.S, there’s no choice in the matter. These residents are family to me, and it kills me that this ia happening right before the holidays, and it kills me that it has to happen at all.”

The Department of Public Welfare came to Golden Ridge this week to help residents identify other places where they can move. If family members could not make the meeting, they can call the Department of Public Welfare at 866-503-3926.

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Published on: November 21, 2012 | O'Connor Law

Pancreatic Awareness Day1_1.jpg It doesn’t often receive the attention that breast cancer or prostate cancer receives, but what many people don’t know is that pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer related deaths. But health professionals and researchers are trying to change that by increasing the public’s awareness of this disease.

The attorneys and staff at O’Connor Law wore purple on Fri., Nov. 16, in honor of Pancreatic Awareness Day. Pancreatic cancer affects thousands of people in the United States each year. It is difficult to detect early and even more difficult to treat.

For more information on pancreatic cancer, visit the Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center at Johns Hopkins (http://www.path.jhu.edu/pancreas/) or the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research (www.lustgarten.org).

Average Annual Private Nursing Home Room Cost Over $90,000

Published on: November 14, 2012 | O'Connor Law

According to the 10th annual MetLife survey of eldercare costs, the national average annual cost for a private nursing home room climbed to $90,520 this year. Semi-private rooms went up to $81,030 and assisted living residencies increased to $42,6000.

The costs are spelled out in detail in an article on McKnights.com. It reports that average charges for private nursing home rooms went up 3.8%, to $239 per day. Semi-private nursing home rooms increased 3.7%, to $222 per day. Assisted living rates increased 2.1%, to $3,477 a month.

In addition, homemakers services increased from $19 to $20 per hour. However, services for home health aides and adult day services remain unchanged.

Pinecrest Manor in Top 4 Percent of Nursing Homes Nationwide

Published on: November 12, 2012 | O'Connor Law

Pinecrest Manor in St. Marys, Elk County, has something to brag about: they’ve been added to the top 4 percent of nursing homes nationwide.

An article on TheCourierExpress.com explained that this achievement was reached because Pincrest had no deficiency on its resident care survey from the Pennsylvania Department of Health Division of Nursing Care Facilities. Typically, a nursing home can have 7 to 8 deficiencies.

The facility has been working towards this goal of no deficiencies since 2010. That year, they had 8 deficiencies. In 2011, they lowered that number to just 2.

The Staff of O’Connor Law Have a Spooktacular Halloween

Published on: November 8, 2012 | O'Connor Law

This year, the attorneys and staff of O’Connor Law pulled out all the stops to celebrate Halloween in spooktacular style. From vampires and cats to swammies and sports figures, nearly everyone donned a costume to participate in a scavenger hunt and costume contest. Atty. David Miller won Best Costume for his appearance as a pirate.

A good time was had by all!

Ana and Patti_1.jpg

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program Accepting Applications

Published on: November 1, 2012 | O'Connor Law

Today applications will begin to be accepted for LIHEAP, the federally funded Low-Income Energy Assistance Program of the state Department of Welfare. The program offers grants to low-income families to help pay for heating bills. The grants do not have to be repaid.

According to an article on the RepublicanHerald.com, Georgene Fedoriska, executive director at the Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services, is quoted in the article as saying, “We encourage anyone eligible for the program to look into it, especially with the price of heating oil and the economy right now. Every little bit helps.”

Residents who either rent or own their home may qualify. They do not have to be on public assistance or have unpaid heating bills. The grants are sent directly to the utility company or fuel provider and are credited on the resident’s bill.

Even with Hurricane Sandy Behind Us, PA Motorists Urged to Heed “Turn Around, Don’t Drive” Law

Published on: October 30, 2012 | O'Connor Law

Now that Hurricane Sandy has passed through our area, we hope that all of our staff, clients, and neighbors made it through with minimal damage. But as we recover from the storm, we’d like to remind everyone about the “Turn Around, Don’t Drive” law that was put in place in July.

Under this new law, it is a summary offense to drive past, around, or through a sign or traffic-control devise used to close a road because of an existing or potential hazardous situation. Violators can face a fine up to $250. If a violator must be rescued by first responders, emergency workers, or a tow truck, the fine can be between $250 and $500.

With roads in our area still closed due to the storm, we strongly urge motorists to heed the “Turn Around, Don’t Drive” law. Don’t put yourself in danger, or possibly any emergency personnel who may be required to rescue you.