Dehydration is a cause for concern for many families whose loved ones are in nursing homes. Unfortunately, many nursing homes are understaffed and do not have proper hydration protocols in place, which can lead to an increased risk of dehydration. Being dehydrated can have serious and sometimes deadly consequences, especially for older adults and those with compromised immune systems.
Dehydration in nursing homes can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
There are steps that families can take to prevent dehydration in nursing homes. One of the most important is to ensure that the facility has proper hydration protocols in place, such as regular water or fluid intake, monitoring of fluid intake and output, and providing fluids that are easy to swallow for residents with difficulties. Families should also make sure that the facility has adequate staffing levels, as this will ensure that residents receive proper care and attention and that hydration protocols are being properly implemented. Additionally, it’s important to choose a facility that has a registered dietitian on staff, who can ensure that residents are receiving the proper hydration they need
If you suspect that a loved one has been a victim of neglect in a nursing home, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. You can contact Your Insurance Attorney. Our experienced attorneys Nathan P. Carter, Michael A. Mandeville, Brian C. Guppenberger and Joshua A. Machlus, all members of The American Trial Lawyers Association, AAJ Leaders Forum, Florida Legal Elite, and American Board of Trial Advocates, have over 30 years of experience in handling nursing home negligence cases. They have successfully won cases, such as a $2,500,000 neglect case against a nursing home that caused death. They will help you understand your legal options and advocate for your loved one’s rights.
It’s important to report any abuse or neglect as soon as possible. You can also report any abuse or neglect to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) hotline at 1-800-962-2873, and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) hotline at 1-888-419-3456. These hotlines are available 24/7 and are staffed by trained professionals who can take immediate action to protect your loved one.
At Your Insurance Attorney, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and dedicated representation to our clients and their families, and will work tirelessly to ensure that you and your loved one receive the justice and compensation you deserve. Additionally, it’s important to document any evidence of neglect, such as photographs and medical records, as this will be important in building a strong case against the nursing home. Remember to be vigilant and take action if you suspect that your loved one is not receiving the proper care and attention they need to stay hydrated and healthy.
A denial is when your health insurance company tells you that it will not cover the costs of your medication or medical treatment. Many health insurance denials may be resolved through the insurance appeals process.
An EOB is a statement from your health insurance plan describing what costs it will cover for medical care or products you’ve received. The EOB is generated when your medical provider submits a claim for the services you received. The insurance company sends you an EOBs to clarify (i) The cost of the care you received (ii) Any money you saved by visiting in-network providers (iii) Any out-of-pocket medical expenses you’ll be responsible for (iv) any cost sharing under your contract of insurance.
There are four general type of plans (i) marketplace plans (ii) employer plans (iii) self-insured plans (iv) short-term plan.
You will have to review your policy and EOB to determine the reason for the denial. If you find an error was made, you may submit an appeal for re-consideration of the decision. There are typically three levels of appeal. The First Level, A second Level and an External Review. If your claims are denied at all levels, legal action is the next step. Employer plans are the only health plans that require an appeal. Unless the health policy says otherwise, an appeal is not mandatory for other health insurance plans.
If your health plan refuses to pay a claim or ends your coverage, you have the right to appeal the decision and have it reviewed by a third party. There are typically three levels of appeal. The First Level, A second Level and an External Review. If your claims are denied at all levels, legal action is the next step.
If you have an employer plan the next step is filing an appeal. You must be aware of time limits to file an appeal. Failure to file an appeal may bar your claim and any legal action in the future. If you have a short term plan or a marketplace plan, an appeal is not usually mandatory and you can proceed to legal action after 60 days have elapsed from the date the claim was denied.