Nursing Home Residents Who Choke May Suffer Catastrophic or Fatal Consequences

 Posted on April 21, 2022 in Neglect

When we think of nursing home dangers, wandering and elopement, severe fall accidents, or other dramatic incidents may come to mind. However, in many cases, the most dangerous thing that a nursing home resident does each day occurs during mealtimes. Elderly individuals and those with disabilities may have difficulty chewing and swallowing food. While it may seem insignificant, something as simple as choking on a piece of food can be deadly for vulnerable nursing home residents. This is why it is so important for nursing home staff to carefully monitor residents during mealtimes and make any accommodations necessary to avoid choking.

If your loved one was injured or killed by a choking incident at a nursing home, read on to learn about your legal options.

Choking Hazards in Illinois Nursing Homes

Many nursing home residents are elderly. Many older individuals suffer from dry mouth which makes it harder to swallow food. Food can get stuck in the throat and block the airway. The problem is so common that choking is statistically the third-leading cause of unintentional injury death for people over the age of 65.  Candy, food, medications, and even water can be choking hazards for elderly people.

Medical conditions like stroke and Parkinson’s disease can make it harder for nursing home residents to chew and swallow food. Having loose-fitting dentures can also increase the chances of stroke.

Nursing Home Neglect Can Lead to Severe Choking Incidents

Nursing home staff should know about residents’ medical conditions and be aware of the risk of choking. They should supervise residents and quickly respond if a resident shows signs of choking such as gasping for breath or grabbing at his or her throat. Failure to respond quickly can cause the resident to suffer brain damage from reduced oxygen and eventually death.

If a nursing home’s failure to provide competent care caused your loved one to be injured or killed, contact a nursing home injury lawyer for help right away. You may be able to hold the facility accountable for the negligent actions and recover compensation through a personal injury claim.

Contact a Cook County Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

Choking can lead to catastrophic injuries or death in nursing home residents. If your loved one was seriously injured or killed by nursing home negligence, contact Schwartz Injury Law right away. Our Chicago nursing home injury and wrongful death attorneys are highly knowledgeable and can help you explore all of your options. Call our office at 312-535-4625 for a free, no-obligation case assessment.

Source:

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db199.htm