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Author Archives: Adam Peck

 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.
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Private Caregivers Found to Have Criminal Backgrounds says Los Angeles Elder Abuse Attorney Steven Peck

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California residents can unknowingly hire private caregivers who have criminal backgrounds, according to a report by the state Senate Office of Oversight and Outcomes, California Watch reports.

California and five other states do not regulate private in-home caregivers. Although the state screens workers providing care for enrollees in the In-Home Supportive Services program, the state lacks similar screening procedures for private providers says California Elder Abuse Attorney Steven Peck.

Key Findings of Criminal Background Study

For the report, investigators culled Craigslist ads for in-home care providers and found ads posted by individuals with felony convictions for methamphetamine trafficking and major theft.

According to the report, some of the agencies approved employees known to have criminal convictions. Among 64 recent criminal cases involving caregivers, 27% previously had been convicted of crimes, according to the report.

The report also found that there has been confusion over how to implement a 2008 state law (SB 692) that allows seniors and their families to conduct their own screenings through the Department of Justice.

The law specified that public officials who recruit and screen IHSS caregivers could provide assistance to private employers. However, the oversight office contacted 26 such agencies requesting help with background checks, and all 26 declined, according to the report.

Recommendations

Authors of the report offered several recommendations, including:

  • Creating a registry to let clients find independent caregivers who were voluntarily screened;
  • Passing a law that would let consumer agencies disclose caregiver convictions older than seven years; and
  • Educating consumers on how to obtain and read a Department of Justice background check

 

Pressure Sores, Bed Sores and Decubitus Ulcers In Paraplegics: Some Factors to Consider says California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck

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Some of the factors to consider when encountering an individual who is paraplegic says Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Steven Peck:

Where his skin breakdown problems are–and are they healed or open right now
How is his nutrition?
Does he have a problem with moisture (incontinence or sweating)
Does he use a hospital bed, regular bed or adjustable bed, and what size
Does he turn and is he able to do this himself
What positions does he use for sleep
How does he transfer
What ADLs does he do in bed

Infection Control Will Help Eradicate A Major Source of Wrongful Death To Elders Says California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck

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It would be impossible to provide an all-inclusive overview of even the basics of infection control practices in eldercare. Here are some good tips and indicators for preventing infections, says California Elder Abuse Attorney Steven Peck.

  • Moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria. Take care of moisture cleanup promptly, including in the kitchen, at the dining table, spills on the floor, standing water, or stale coffee in a mug, moisture on and around faucets, countertops and tabletops. While you’re at it, don’t forget washcloths, damp or wet laundry and more. No need to panic or drive yourself crazy, just be mindful of standing moisture.
  • Standing moisture and discoloration should be red flags, including any pinkish hue. Think salmonella, as in food poisoning cross-contamination.
  • Check toothbrushes frequently. They can (and do) gather mold if the moisture and old food particles conditions are just right. Keep new toothbrushes on hand. Toss used toothbrushes regularly. I toss toothbrushes when the bristles start to bend.
  • Disposable baby wipes are better than washcloths. If properly disposed of, they will not cross-contaminate other dirty laundry or your laundry hamper with added moisture and bacteria.
  • If you care for and supervise an elder who is forgetful, medicated to distraction or simply distracted, listen for running water after the elder uses the bathroom. Running water may mean hands have been washed, though not always.
  • Supply sufficient hand soap and paper towels in the bathroom. Like baby wipes, paper towels are disposable, which is why I prefer paper towels in our home rather than cloth hand towels.
  • Before providing wound care, or any direct hands-on care, wash hands before and after. Know when to use latex gloves when cleaning or treating a wound. Avoid inadvertently transmitting bacteria to an elder’s wound, including through cross-contamination of surfaces.

Better safe than sorry. Don’t make infection control practices hard on yourself or your elder. Just try to not make yourselves sick. Practice sound infection control habits. Everyone will rest easier.

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