Nursing Home Neglect – Diabetic Care

The American Diabetes Association estimates that one in three adults in the United States will have diabetes by 2050 if the trend in diagnosis continues on its current path. In the elderly community, diabetes currently affects 20 percent of seniors from 65 to 75 years of age. With individuals over 80, that number rises to 40 percent. So, when a loved one with diabetes resides in a nursing home or other type of long-term care facility, it’s understandably uncomfortable to leave staff in charge of their specialized care.

Many nursing home and long-term care residents already suffer from medical problems that are caused by or made worse by diabetes. The care they receive must be carefully monitored by staff to promote the safe and healthy environment the facility is meant to provide.

When it comes to diabetes, one of the most important aspects of care is keeping blood sugar levels in check at all times. If blood sugar levels become too high or too low, serious and even deadly complications can quickly arise and cause additional life-threatening medical complications. It is the nursing homes responsibility to properly train its staff to provide diabetic residents with individualized care. If a resident is harmed due to improper diabetic care, the facility may be found liable for neglect, and even wrongful death.

Nursing Home Responsibilities

• Timely Medication Administration: Residents often need certain medicine to control their blood sugar levels. So it is imperative that nursing home staff follow medication schedules and dosages, along with verification that the patient has received or taken their medication. Insulin is the most common medication administered to diabetics to properly manage blood sugar levels, and must be administered appropriately and timely.
   
• Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Blood sugar monitoring is a vital component of diabetic care. The patient’s blood sugar levels must be monitored as ordered by their physician. Staff members should provide extra attention to diabetic residents as many require insulin shots on a regular basis – sometimes with each meal – and need their blood sugar levels tested 2-4 times per day.
   
• Proper Nourishment and Nutrition: Diabetic patients also require high-quality nutrition to remain healthy. Many diabetics have strict dietary needs regarding the amount of sugar and carbohydrates they can consume in order to keep their glucose levels stable. To help combat the many adverse effects of diabetes, staff must be understand that the food other residents receive may not be suitable for a diabetic.

It is critical that proper care is administered to the many high-risk nursing home residents living with diabetes. And nursing homes must be held accountable when improper diabetes care causes wrongful death or avoidable suffering of a loved one.