Our Boston nursing home attorney provides an update on a recent nursing home inspection. As a Massachusetts nursing home lawyer, we keep you informed of updates impacting nursing home residents and their families.

Somerset Ridge Center Fails Health Inspection

A Boston nursing home attorney looks at inspection histories to identify potential systemic issues. Somerset Ridge Center, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility located in Somerset, MA, recently underwent a health inspection on January 10, 2024, and did not meet the required standards during that review.

What Does This Inspection Failure Mean from the Perspective of a Boston Nursing Home Attorney?

This inspection is part of routine evaluations conducted by health officials to ensure that nursing homes and similar facilities provide safe and adequate care for their residents. The facility has been designated as a Special Focus Facility (SFF) for 15 months, which means it has a history of serious health and safety violations. Facilities that receive this designation are subject to increased oversight and more frequent inspections to push for necessary improvements.

Why Is This Important?

• Health & Safety Concerns: The SFF designation typically indicates a pattern of nursing home abuse, such as poor resident care, unsanitary conditions, or staffing problems that need fixing.
• Regulatory Action: If a facility remains on the SFF list for too long without making improvements, it could face penalties, including loss of Medicare/Medicaid funding.
• Patient Impact: Families considering Somerset Ridge Center for their loved ones should be aware of these findings and monitor future reports to see if the facility makes necessary changes.

What Happens Next?

Somerset Ridge Center must now work to correct the nursing home abuse issues in the inspection. They must pass future health evaluations to get off the SFF list. Then the state health department and federal agencies will continue monitoring the facility to ensure that there are improvements.

If you or a loved one are considering care at Somerset Ridge Center, it may be helpful to review past reports, ask about improvement plans, and stay informed about the facility’s progress. If there has already been elder care abuse present at the facility and it has caused your loved one harm, you can seek help. There are nursing home abuse lawyers, including bedsore lawyers, and well death lawyers to help you seek compensation. 

 Criticism of Somerset Ridge Center

Somerset Ridge Center has faced several challenges and criticisms regarding the quality of care provided to its residents. Notable elder abuse concerns include:

1. Health Deficiencies and Actual Harm Findings: Between July 2011 and May 2023, state nursing home surveyors identified 19 separate deficiencies at Somerset Ridge Center which resulted in actual harm to residents. These findings led to the facility being designated as a Special Focus Facility, indicating a history of serious quality issues.
2. Staffing Challenges: The center has experienced periods of understaffing, particularly concerning Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). In 2022, 64.4% of days were staffed below the recommended 2.0 hours of CNA care per resident per day. Such staffing levels can compromise the quality of care and resident safety. This understaffing would be considered nursing home abuse.
3. Mixed Reviews from Residents and Families: Feedback about the facility varies. While some testimonials praise the rehabilitation services and staff dedication, others express concerns about the quality of care. For instance, a review on SeniorAdvice.com highlighted issues with nursing staff attitudes and delays in assistance, which can significantly impact resident well-being. Nursing home abuse can come in many forms, including if your loved one experiences mental health challenges due to neglectful or even rude staff members.
4. Employee Experiences: Reviews from former employees indicate challenges within the workplace. Some staff members reported issues related to understaffing and high expectations placed on nurse aides, which can affect the overall care provided to residents. 

 These concerns suggest that Somerset Ridge Center has faced significant challenges in maintaining consistent quality care and adequate staffing levels. Prospective residents and their families are advised to conduct thorough research, visit the facility, and consult with current residents and staff to make informed decisions about care options. Avoid nursing home abuse before you need a nursing home lawyer. 

 What a Good Facility Should Have:

1. Comprehensive and Individualized Care 
2. Qualified and Compassionate Staff 
3. Effective Rehabilitation Services 
4. Clean and Safe Environment 
5. Nutritious and Customized Meals 
6. Social and Recreational Activities 
7. Respect for Residents’
8. Dignity and Independence 
9. Open Communication and Family Involvement 
10. Efficient Complaint Resolution

When a facility does not have any of these components or even missing a few, there could be nursing home and elder care abuse happening. Looking for signs of any form of nursing home abuse before placing your loved one in a facility can save their life. 

Signs of Problems in a Facility:

1. Understaffing and Neglect 
2. Poor Hygiene and Cleanliness 
3. Unexplained Injuries or Bedsores
4. Lack of Proper Medical Care 
5. High Staff Turnover 
6. Lack of Resident Engagement
7. Poor Meal Quality or Nutrition Issues
8. Disrespect or Abuse 
9. Resistance to Family Involvement 
10. Unresponsive Administration 

If one or more of these signs exist in a facility, there may be nursing home abuse occurring. If you are considering placing your loved one in a facility with these indicators, you should make sure that you do more research.   

Do You Need Legal Assistance from our Boston Nursing Home Attorney?

If you’re considering legal action against a nursing home facility like Somerset Ridge Center or another institution due to concerns about nursing home abuse, neglect, or substandard care, KBA Attorneys can provide comprehensive legal assistance. Here’s how our nursing home abuse lawyers/ bedsore lawyers can support you:

1. Expertise in Nursing Home Litigation: At KBA Attorneys we handle cases involving nursing home abuse and neglect. We have a proven track record of securing significant verdicts and settlements for victims and their families. For instance, in February 2024, our legal team obtained a $1.5 million jury verdict in a nursing home bedsore case.

1. Comprehensive Case Evaluation: Our firm offers free case evaluations to assess the merits of your situation. During this process, they will gather pertinent information about the alleged misconduct, review medical records, and determine  the viability of your nursing home abuse lawsuit.

1. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: our nursing home abuse lawyers will conduct thorough investigations to uncover evidence of negligence or elder abuse. This includes interviewing witnesses, consulting with medical experts, and reviewing facility records to build a compelling nursing home abuse case.

1. Legal Representation and Advocacy: Once sufficient evidence is gathered, our law firm will file a nursing home lawsuit on your behalf, representing your interests throughout the legal process. We have experience in negotiating settlements of elder care abuse. If it is necessary, we are prepared to take the case to trial to seek justice and compensation for the harm suffered.

1. Holding Facilities Accountable: By pursuing legal action, KBA Attorneys aim to hold negligent facilities accountable for their actions, potentially leading to systemic changes that improve care standards and prevent future instances of nursing home abuse, or neglect.

KBA Attorneys ensures that you have knowledgeable advocates to navigate the complexities of nursing home litigation. We are working diligently to achieve a favorable outcome for you and your loved ones who experience nursing home abuse. Contact us if you need a nursing home abuse lawyer.