Residents in long-term care facilities have the right to choose their treating physician. This right is supported in federal and state law. See 42 C.F.R. § 483.10(d); O.C.G.A. § 31-8-108(b)(1). As a practical matter, however, most physicians, don’t make house calls to the facility. This mean, by default, most residents are treated by the facility’s […]
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What you know about paying for long-term care?
The “August” 2021 issue of Alzheimer’s Today (Vol. 16, Number 1), includes an article titled “A guide to Creating a Dementia-Friendly Home.” The article states that most homes are built for young, active, individuals, .. not for the changing needs of older adults. “Dementia-friendly design is about creating a living space that improves the well-being […]
The Georgia Council on Aging (Co-Age) recently announced its legislative priorities going into the 2022 legislative session. They are: Restore funding to home and community based services which was cut when Governor Kemp ordered that every department reduce spending. Appropriate $300,000 to $500,000 to increase funding for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program. Allow Medicaid to […]
The following links can be used to research health care providers and, if necessary, to file a complaint with State licensing boards and boards of certification: Complaint and Discipline Process for Nurses (Powerpoint by Georgia Board of Nursing) Contact Information For Filing a Complaint with the State Survey Agency (CMS.gov) Do your research about your doctor or […]
O.C.G.A. § 31-8-80. Short title This article shall be known as the “Long-term Care Facility Resident Abuse Reporting Act.” O.C.G.A. § 31-8-81. Definitions As used in this article, the term: (1) “Abuse” means any intentional or grossly negligent act or series of acts or intentional or grossly negligent omission to act which causes injury to […]
On April 12, 2021, John Oliver explained the industry behind nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and why long-term care needs fixing. Long-Term Care: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) – April 12, 2021
Resident fell at an assisted living facility; the fall caused a wrist fracture and broken ribs. She was transferred to a nursing home where she needed assistance for almost all personal care needs including using the toilet. Shortly after admission to the nursing home she was left unattended on the toilet even though a nurses […]
Lillian Guernsey’s conservator brought suit alleging that Lillian was sexually assaulted by another resident at a personal care home. The case was tried to the court. The defendant conceded liability; after one defendant admitted negligence, Plaintiff moved for a directed verdict which was not opposed. The court found that compensatory damages were $300,000 and punitive […]
