The nursing home industry is one that is experiencing growth right now, since many aging Americans from the "baby boom" generation are beginning to retire and some decide to enter into nursing homes and assisted living facilities.  With the boom in patients, nursing home are either hiring more attendants or giving attendants longer work hours.  Unfortunately, nursing homes also have a high turnover rate for employees.

A recent article by USA Today talked at length about this phenomenon.  According to the newspaper article, staff shortages are common in nursing home facilities and turnover rates are high.  Between states, the annual turnover rate is between 60-100%, according to research from the Institute for the Future of Aging Services.This is due in large part to the low wages paid by many nursing homes.  Over 20 states have regulated the industry, resulting in minimum-wage protection, some staff members do still make less than $7.25 an hour.  Additionally, according to the article, "Since 2000, there has been a 23% increase in home health care employment, while salaries have remained the same, about $21,000 a year, according to a study conducted by Michael Hicks of the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University".  Overall, low wages and little to no benefits are leading to low desirability and high turnover rates for these jobs.

This new insight into nursing home employees will be helpful in allowing nursing homes to realize how to care for and better serve their patients and staff. With this in mind, nursing homes may be able to modify their practices and staffing procedures to decrease their incidents of negligence, abuse, and under/inefficient staffing.  Attorney Doug Stoehr is a central Pennsylvania lawyer specializing in nursing home abuse and negligence.  For more information on his practice, please call his office at 814-946-4100.

Spring is finally here! That means many more people will be outside enjoying the weather and riding their bicycles.  However, this also means that these same people are at a higher risk for accident and injury on the road.  According to some reports, about half a million people each year need medical treatment as a result of of bike accidents, and almost a thousand people die each year. Most of these deaths are the result of a brain injury.  In general, many of these accidents involve a brain injury too, some of which are difficult or impossible to fully recover from.  

So, how can you keep yourself safe while out biking?

• Obviously, wearing a helmet should be a top priority!
• Make sure your bike is safe to ride.  Check out the tires, seats, brakes, and chain frequently.
• Place reflectors on your bike so you can be seen from all angles. 
• Make sure you leave plenty of space between cars--both moving and parked--when riding! Even if a car isn't in motion, you don't want to be hit if someone opens their car door near you.

 
Throughout the warmer months and through the end of fall, many people gravitate outside to run, bike, walk, and spend time with their families. Although this can provide an excellent outlet for fun and recreation, it can also lead to potential bicycle and pedestrian accidents. When driving around, be alert for pedestrians and bicyclists on the road, especially small children that may not be easily seen. By being alert and considerate and sharing the road, you will avoid serious injuries and complications to those around you. If you plan to bike or run outside, wear bright colors and make sure that you give appropriate and clear turning signals with your arms so that drivers know when and where you intend to turn.

Attorney Douglas V. Stoehr works with clients who have been injured in pedestrian and bicycle accidents. If you would like a consultation regarding your personal injury, please contact our law office at 814-946-4100.

Thank you to Loyola University Chicago for the helpful tips! Read more about bicycle safety on their website.