New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced in a press release the latest guidelines for visiting nursing homes in accordance with CMS and CDC standards that will commence on Friday, February 26. Under the new parameters, nursing homes will resume indoor visitations, ease current COVID-19 testing requirements for visitors, and increase the capacity for each facility. The previous rule, which banned guests who had had a COVID case within 14 days, remains in effect.
The new visitor testing guidelines vary depending on the number of coronavirus cases spreading in each county. If the COVID rate in a county is less than 5%, no testing will be required for nursing home guests, though it is still encouraged. If the rate is 5% to 10%, nursing home visitors are required to obtain a negative COVID test result at least 72 hours before entering the facility. Guests are barred when the COVID rate is 10% and above. Additionally, the number of visitors must not exceed 20% of the resident census at any time.
How to Spot Coronavirus-Related Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
As nursing homes are starting to reemerge from the lockdowns that were imposed earlier in the quarantine, it’s essential that you keep an eye out for nursing home negligence and abuse. With so much time spent away from you, your loved one may have been affected by inappropriate or neglectful care. It’s vital, in this case, to note any changes in your loved one’s appearance or demeanor. Of course, this isn’t always the easiest task. It may be tricky to understand where to look, who to talk to, and what to ask.
Consider asking your loved one if they’re feeling well, if they notice any physical discomfort, how they’ve been sleeping, and if they like living in the facility. Other warning signs to keep in mind include the following:
- Does your loved one take their medications incorrectly, have inexplicable injuries, or show physical signs of restraint? If so, it’s possible that they’ve been physically abused.
- Do you see a caregiver acting in a manner that appears controlling or manipulative? Is your loved one acting strangely or showing sudden symptoms of dementia? If so, there may be emotional or psychological abuse occurring.
- Do you see any unusual fluctuations in your loved one’s bank account or an abrupt change in a life insurance policy or will? If so, you may have stumbled upon some form of financial abuse.
- Keep an eye out for stained underwear, vaginal or anal bleeding, bruising near the genitals, or unexplained STDs. These are all potential indicators of sexual abuse.
- Neglect can manifest in a number of ways, including leaving your loved one alone in a public place, not bathing them, leaving them inappropriately dressed for the weather, and maintaining unsafe living conditions such as a lack of heat or running water.
- Every year, about 5 million people suffer from bedsore injuries, which usually occur when a nursing home resident remains in one position for too long. If left untreated, these injuries can become infected and create dangerous complications. Bedsores are the most preventable injuries among the elderly, yet their presence is a prime indicator of elder abuse. Keep your eyes peeled.
If a caregiver refuses to let you be alone with your loved one, you’re right to be suspicious. If you notice any of these signs or are apprehensive at all, contact an experienced New York City nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible.
Call an Expert Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse Lawyer in New York City
During this critical time, nursing homes must take every precaution to protect their residents and front-line employees from being exposed to or contracting COVID-19. Many nursing homes have shielded their residents by following guidelines and adhering to strict protocols, but other facilities have neglected the wellbeing of the most vulnerable among us. If you suspect a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect as you return to the nursing home that houses your loved one, the attorneys at Dalli & Marino are here to help.
Our seasoned New York trial attorneys have been aggressively advocating for victims of nursing abuse since 1996. We strive to build strong relationships with our clients through trust and communication to ensure that we fully understand your needs. Our highly skilled team approaches each case on an individual basis and is dedicated to helping you recover the money you deserve to compensate you for your loss. Give us a call at (888) 465-8790 or complete our contact form today.
