While many baby boomers have assumed the responsibility of helping their aging parents, some are dealt the even more challenging task of caring for their parents from a different city.

In addition to arranging parents’ care, children often also take over running their household — from paying bills to having groceries delivered to coordinating medical care. That requires them to get access to bank accounts and medical information that’s not available to children without their parents’ consent.

This can be draining as it is — especially when you have to take care of yourself (and possibly your own children) — even without the geographic distance. That’s why U.S. News put together eight tips for taking care of aging parents when you don’t live close.

Read the full article here.

Moving a loved one to a nursing home can be a tough decision to make, but it’s often the only way to keep them safe and healthy.

If your parent is looking thinner than usual, ignoring their personal hygiene or are always exhausted, it may be time to have the talk. To learn more, read Reader’s digest’s nine warning signs your elderly parents shouldn’t be living alone anymore.

Read the full article here.

Cognitive health—the ability to clearly think, learn, and remember—is an important component of brain health.

The National Institute on Aging compiled a guide focusing on cognitive health and what people can do to help maintain it. Learn how to eat healthy foods, be physically active, stay connected and more.

Read the full article here.

Visiting someone with dementia can be overwhelming. Depending on your loved one’s current state, the experience may leave you feeling rewarded, frustrated or simply confused.

tips for nursing home

In order to make the most out of the visit for everyone involved, it’s important to recognize there’s more to a person than his/her memory. The best way to do this is by staying flexible with your plans, keeping the visit simple and remembering not to take their reactions personally.

To learn more about making the most of your visit, view the Alzheimer’s Association’s tips for visiting loved ones with dementia.

Short of closing the facility, the New York State Department of Health could not penalize Emerald South Nursing and Rehabilitation Center any more severely.

After the death of nursing home resident Ruth Murray, who was severely beaten by another dementia patient, the state leveled the stiffest fine allowed by law.

Make sure the nursing home’s location is convenient.

Many factors are involved in choosing the right nursing home, but none are more important than its location. The most effective way to prevent nursing home negligence or nursing home abuse is to ensure loved ones are visited frequently. Of course, it’s much easier to visit an elderly patient if the nursing home is close to friends and family.

Visit the residence and examine your surroundings.

The best way to know if a nursing home is the right fit for your loved one is by stopping by for a visit. While you’re there, take a tour and make observations — being on the lookout to see how many residents are left unattended in the hallways, if there are any unusual odors, what the quality of food looks like and how the temperature feels. You should also check for the number of staff members currently on site and if there are pleasant interactions among staff members and residents.

Ask the right questions about care.

While at the nursing home, it’s important that you speak up and ask the right questions. For example, you’ll want to inquire as to how medications are distributed, what efforts are made to provide medication on time and if the site is able to meet necessary meal preferences. If you can, it’s also a smart idea to contact family members who have loved ones in the facility. This will provide you with an unbiased review of the overall care and services.

Learn about the nursing home’s employees.

When it comes to the people helping your loved one each day, you expect the highest level of care. At some point in your visit, be sure to ask about the nurse-to-patient ratio, the turnover of staff and if there are any temporary nurses or staff member that are hired. You’ll also want to see if the home performs background checks of employees providing hands-on care. These questions will give you an indication of the quality of attention your loved one will receive.

Check if it meets your loved one’s needs.

Of course, you want to make sure your loved one will feel comfortable and at home in this new residence. To decide whether the facility can meet your loved one’s preferences, ask what’s important to them: such as religious services, volunteer programs, entertainment opportunities and other activities. It’s also important to discuss your loved one’s physical, mental, emotional and medical needs with the staff to ensure that they can provide the appropriate care.

Before making your final decision, make it a priority to review state inspection reports. The U.S. Center for Medicare will be able to provide ratings on the facilities, as well as reports of adverse events.

Still wondering how to pick the right nursing home?

Deciding how to choose the right nursing home is an important one, but the experts at Brown Chiari are here to help. Visit us online to find out more information about how to select the right facility for your loved one and download a nursing home checklist.

Local law firm represents Buffalo woman in wrongful death case

BUFFALO, NY, November 22, 2016 – The law firm of Brown Chiari obtained a $1 million verdict in New York State Supreme Court against Kaleida and MFG on behalf of the Estate of Rose Kij, who suffered injuries and death as a result of the hospital’s conduct, according to the jury.

The 81-year-old was admitted with signs of a resolving stroke to Millard Fillmore Gates on Aug 16, 2007. The hospital provided the wrong dosage of a drug (Simvastatin) by failing to confirm her dosages before her hospital admission despite having knowledge of her pharmacy and primary physician. Ms. Kij developed Rhabdomyolysis, a disease causing severe muscle breakdown with resulting kidney failure, leading to her death on October 10, 2007.

“This verdict sends a clear sign that the people deserve the same treatment regardless of age,” said attorney Michael Scinta of Brown Chiari. “The elderly are entitled to enjoy the same protections under the law. This is a tragic situation which could have been avoided.”

The jury awarded the estate of Rose Kij a $1 million verdict for her case against Kaleida and MFG.

Attorneys Michael Scinta and David Olson from the law firm of Brown Chiari represented the Kij Estate. New York Supreme Court Justice Donna Siwek presided over the trial.

The elderly man accused of killing a woman during a fight at a Buffalo nursing home, will not face any criminal charges.

The acting Erie County district attorney says an investigation found that the man doesn’t have the mental capacity for criminal intent.

Police say Ruth Murray, 83, accidentally walked into the room of another patient at the Emerald South Nursing Home in August. A fight broke out, and Murray died. She was an Alzheimer’s patient.