May is National Elder Law Month | Charleston Elder Law Attorneys
Miller|Conway, Charleston Elder Law Attorneys, would like to acknowledge The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)’s decision to select the month of May as National Elder Law Month. National Elder Law Month was created in an attempt to educate seniors and their families about nursing home policies, admission documentation, payment plans, Medicaid/Medicare and estate planning among other issues.
Because few nursing home residents are presented with their rights in a way that they can understand, many are victimized by illegal practices without even knowing it. It is beneficial to consult an attorney while reviewing admission documents so the rights of the nursing home residents and the obligations of the nursing home are clear to seniors and their families. It is also important to know the options available to you if a loved one experiences neglect or abuse at the hands of a facility physician or staff member.
The hope for Elder Law Awareness is that understanding a nursing home’s hiring criteria, background of the staff and precautionary measures may help to prevent mistreatment. This increased awareness stemmed partially from media exposure on elder abuse cases in the area. For example, in September of 2012 a 90 year old woman was picked up from her nursing home facility with intense bruising all over her body, and little explanation as to why. Shortly after being hospitalized, she passed away as a result of her injuries. Her family has since struggled with obtaining answers for the death, and recently made headlines again when they offered up a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of her abuser. You can view the full story here and read more about the victim and her family here.
Physical abuse, however, is only one of the many concerns seniors face when selecting or residing in a nursing home. Some of the most commonly unanswered questions relate to feeding tubes, Medicaid coverage, and eviction. Click here to view an article and additional links on the twenty most common nursing home problems and some proposed solutions.
If you have questions regarding estate planning, long-term care planning or other Elder Law concerns, contact Miller|Conway to discuss the options available to you. We assist with planning for seniors and people with disabilities by providing information on healthcare, Medicaid, trusts, estate administration, and nursing home issues. You can contact us to set up a consultation, or like us on facebook, follow us on twitter, and visit the firm’s website for more information on our attorneys and other areas of practice.
