Adam Peck, Author at PLG Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Injury Attorneys in California

About Adam Peck

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.

Be Very Wary of Infections In Long Term Skilled Facilities

Posted on January 26, 2013 - 3:36 pm by Adam Peck

Research MRSA Infections in Skilled Nursing Facilities

During your research of proper skilled nursing facilities for your elderly or disabled family member, you may have learned about nursing home abuse.

One issue that results from abuse and neglect is infections. Infections can occur through lack of proper hygiene, improper food safety, and building safety.

There are two highly common infections that are seen in nursing homes : MRSA and VSRA. These are not the only two infections and health problems. Focus are on these two because they are the more common issues.

MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is a bacterium that is highly difficult to treat once a patient is infected. It is known by other names like Oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

By definition, it means the strain is resistant to antibiotics like penicillin. It is found in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) because these individuals may have open wounds or susceptible immune systems.

– from Steven Peck, Senior Attorney at Peck Law Group

Dehydration in Nursing Homes Causes Urinary Tract Infections, Bed Sores, and Death In Elderly Patients

Posted on January 26, 2013 - 3:35 pm by Adam Peck

Dehydration, depending on the severity, sometimes creates only small telltale signs while having a big effect on the body, especially in the elderly.

Dehydration occurs when a person loses more water than they take in. It takes an adequate amount of fluid for the body to function properly; for example, to regulate body temperature through sweating, maintain blood pressure, and eliminate bodily waste. If severe enough, dehydration can lead to confusion, weakness, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, bedsores in bed-ridden patients, or even death. In general, a human can survive for only about four days without any fluids.

Elderly dehydration is especially common for a number of reasons: some medications, such as for high blood pressure or anti-depressants, are diuretic; some medications may cause patients to sweat more; a person’s sense of thirst becomes less acute as they age; frail seniors have a harder time getting up to get a drink when they’re thirsty, or they rely on caregivers who can’t sense that they need fluids; and as we age our bodies lose kidney function and are less able to conserve fluid (this is progressive from around the age of 50, but becomes more acute and noticeable over the age of 70). Illness, especially one that causes vomiting and/or diarrhea, also can cause elderly dehydration.

Seniors Unable To Care For Themselves Are Vulnerable To Elder Abuse and Neglect

Posted on January 26, 2013 - 3:34 pm by Adam Peck

Many seniors are frail and unable to fully care for themselves. They are particularly vulnerable to intentional abuse or neglect, the U.S. Administration on Aging says.

The agency mentions these warning signs of elder abuse:

Any sign of physical harm, including bruises, fractures, burns, or marks on the skin.
Sudden withdrawal, depression, and reduced alertness, or other changes in behavior or personality.
Unexpected changes in financial status, which could indicate that the elderly person is being exploited.
Unexplained weight loss, bedsores or lack of personal hygiene.
Signs of being threatened or belittled.
Frequent arguing between caregiver and the elderly person, and signs of strain in the relationship.