It's just a matter of time before another nursing home fire claims the life of another patient. While less publicized, hundreds of older people receive each year on fire during their admission to skilled nursing. However, you can see the situation as to keep fires in nursing homes, a real - not yet under-appreciated threat to the safety of patients to nursing homes.
According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), 1994 reported by 1999 roughly 2,300 foster homes a kindFire at its facility in the year. Equally alarming is that the GAO has found the number of serious shortcomings in the fire, home care, has increased from 2004 to 2007.
In response to these threats to security, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) now has a smoke detector in every room, and patients in public areas. In addition, the automatic sprinkler system need not be installed in new plants and retrofitting of existing facilities over the next fourYears.
While compliance with CMS regulations can contribute to the likelihood of fires in skilled nursing homes, owners and administrators should evaluate all activities and determine what actions are carried out, can further promote patient safety.
Step 1: Eliminate smoking in nursing homes
Smoking in nursing homes may possibly be considered counter-productive health of patients. Perhaps better said, smoking is increasing in nursing homes threat to all patients and staff. Even ifbe monitored, there is an increased risk of fires in care to allow that smoking compared with those who will not allow it.
Therefore, I suggest that nursing homes force patients to throw their cigarettes or seek alternative facilities.
In addition to safety concerns the fire resistance are provided, so that the patient in a nursing home smoking diverts staff resources to manage patients who smoke and away from the task to choose quality care and support.
AfterThe National Fire Protection Association, older people are more than three times more likely to suffer from a smoking-injury than their younger colleagues. One need not look far for examples of smoking accidents in the nursing home and assisted living facilities:
Dallas, Texas woman died in a fire at an assisted living facility. The fire inspector determined the fire caused by "improper use of smoking materials"
Chicago, Illinois-Two patients died in HamptonPlaza Nursing Home from inhaling smoke. The fire department concluded that cease fire by smoking, has been saved cabinet launched a patient.
Whittier, California, nursing home patients with dementia ignites when trying to light his cigarette. An investigation revealed the matter, the staff was unaware that the man outside the plant.
Lebanon, Indiana, an oxygen-dependent patients started a fire at an assisted living complex where the oxygen bottleexploded when she smoked.
I think we will be pouring nursing homes to change their policies, free to "smoke" night. In the meantime, should take steps bodies to a smoking ban that is both realistic implementation to develop and increase the safety of patients. Here are some suggestions for developing a smoking policy:
Designate a smoking area for patients that is monitored and well ventilated.
Ban smoking in patient rooms. Studies have shown that the risk of fire increases whenPeople smoke in bed.
Establishment of an evacuation policy in the event of fire or emergency. Likewise, all staff and patients information to the location of fire extinguishers and teach them how to use them.
Hold to stop smoking, like cigarette lighters and matches locked employee-owned and at all times.
Quit smoking ashtrays, aprons (clothing made out of fire-proof material, which reduces the chance of a stray ashes igniting a patient's clothes)
Development of a smoking cessationProgram.
Make sure your facility smoke detectors and sprinklers.
Allow the patient to smoke only when supervised by staff.
Development of a number of consequences for patients who do not follow politics.
Enter your investments smoking and give a copy to all patients and their families.
While the above guidelines, the possibility of fires in nursing homes can reduce, by which smoking remains one of the easiest ways to improve the general living conditionsConditions for all patients and nursing home staff.
Jonathan Rosenfeld is treated lawyer in Chicago, the elder abuse and neglect cases in the Midwest and across the country. Mr. Rosenfeld worked on the following types of cases:
Pressure ulcers, pressure ulcers, pressure ulcers
If
Dehydration / Malnutrition
Medication Errors
Affected bowel
Sex Abuse
Medical errors
Feel free to contact Jonathan for a free case evaluation. (888) 424-5757
