Should Independent Living in Milwaukee Be Encouraged?
‘Independent living’ may leave seniors wanting for care
On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Nursing Home Abuse on Monday, April 22, 2013.
Most senior citizens want to maintain some sense of independence as they age, even once it becomes clear that they are no longer able to live safely on their own. It is for this reason that many seniors in Wisconsin choose to move into independent living in Milwaukee senior housing developments.
Independent living developments provide a sense of community and togetherness without the hospital-like atmosphere that can sometimes accompany life in a nursing home. However, it is important to remember that independent living communities aren’t always set up to provide the same level of care that a person could get in a nursing home, especially during an emergency.
The extent of this problem is highlighted by a recent death in California. An 87-year-old independent living resident died after collapsing in the facility’s dining room. Although a trained nurse was present during the incident, she did not render aid. Later, the nurse explained that she did not intervene because she had been hired as a resident services director, not as a nurse. The facility where the incident happened is not licensed by the state to provide medical care.
The case is currently under investigation to determine what, if any, ability the nurse had to act in that situation. Whatever, the outcome, the case does highlight an important consideration for anyone searching for housing options for themselves or an elderly loved one.
When looking for new housing, it is important to consider both short- and long-term medical needs. Further, it is also important to determine what kind of help will be available in the event of a medical emergency. You don’t want to wait until it is too late to find out the answers to these questions.
Source: The New York Times, “When Independence Means You’re on Your Own,” Judith Graham, April 11, 2013.
Our law firm represents the victims of nursing home neglect in Wisconsin. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.