Justice for Residents Podcast

Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method that is often mandated by contracts signed to get into a nursing home or obligated by a judge in a nursing home lawsuit. It is an alternative to litigation, so mediation is a strategic decision. In today's episode, nursing home abuse attorneys Rob Schenk and Will Smith discuss mediation and when it occurs, covering logistics, timeline, and the results of a successful mediation.

The Georgia Long Term Care Ombudsman’s office oversees operations of long term care facilities for Georgia nursing home residents and others needing long term care.  This office is a vital resource for having quality-of-care concerns addressed by residents and families. In today's episode, nursing home abuse attorney Rob Schenk discusses how nursing home concerns can be brought to the attention of the Ombudsman’s office with guest Melanie McNeil, State Long Term Care Ombudsman.

An estimated 50 million people worldwide live with dementia. This number will almost double every 20 years, reaching 75 million in 2030 and 131.5 million in 2050. In today’s episode, nursing home abuse attorneys Rob Schenk and Will Smith discuss the definition of dementia, the symptoms, and techniques for caring for loved ones with dementia, with guest Kate Swaffer, the Co-Founder and CEO of Dementia Alliance International.

In the 15 year period between 1985 and 2010, there were 803 incidents of patients or residents becoming caught, trapped, entangled, or strangled in beds with rails. Of these reports, 480 people died, 138 had a nonfatal injury, and 185 were not injured because staff intervened. In today’s episode, nursing home abuse attorneys Rob Schenk and Will Smith discuss the dangers of bedrails with Robyn Grant, the Director of Public Policy and Advocacy of the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care.

Bedsores are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue. While they tend to be common in nursing homes, they are almost always 100% preventable. In fact, if your loved one has developed a bedsore, there is a good chance that it arose out of neglect. In today’s episode, nursing home abuse attorneys Rob Schenk and Will Smith discuss bedsore treatment and prevention with Clay Smith, a registered nurse. Clay Smith currently provides nursing care in a progressive care unit of a Georgia hospital.

Recently, a former resident of northwest Fresno, California nursing home alleged in a civil lawsuit that he had to have his right eye removed after staff at the nursing home allowed him to be attacked twice by his roommate. In today’s episode, nursing home abuse attorneys Rob Schenk and Will Smith discuss the case, including the topics of constructive knowledge and what steps nursing homes should take to reduce injury

Three staff members at a Georgia senior-care facility were indicted on charges that their actions not only caused the death of a resident in their care, but that they also tried to cover up his death. In today’s episode, nursing home abuse attorneys Rob Schenk and Will Smith discuss the case, including the topics of video surveillance, following physician’s orders, and criminal liability in nursing home abuse cases

Upon admission and at regular intervals after that, nursing home residents must be assessed for various medical needs. One of those assessments evaluates the amount of help that the resident needs for daily living, such as getting out of bed, showering or eating. In today’s episode, nursing home abuse attorneys Rob Schenk and Will Smith discuss when and how a nursing home resident gets assistance from nursing home staff.

Generally, the term ‘damages’ refers to the money compensation that is assessed by a judge or jury for an injury. Damages can include compensation for medical bills or for pain and suffering. Damages may also include the value of a resident’s remaining life. In today’s episode, nursing home abuse attorneys Rob Schenk and Will Smith discuss the concept of damages in nursing home cases by highlighting some stories of abuse and neglect from around the country.

Residents of nursing homes and their loved ones have the right to be updated on the status of medical care, basic facility operations, and other information. Don’t be scared to ask questions of nursing home staff. The more you know, the better watchdog you can be. In today’s episode, nursing home abuse attorneys Rob Schenk and Will Smith discuss questions to ask nursing home staff with guest Clay Smith, a registered nurse.

Clay Smith has over ten years of experience in the healthcare industry.