Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

 Posted on April 24, 2019 in Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse

Placing a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility can be an incredibly difficult thing to do. Most people make this decision because they do not have the ability to provide the round-the-clock care that their loved one requires – especially if they have a career or family of their own to care for. We trust that nursing home staff will provide competent medical care and treat our loved ones with dignity and respect, but tragically, this does not always happen. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, make sure you are vigilant for signs of neglect and abuse.

Staffing Issues Can Lead to Neglect

Many nursing homes are understaffed. Others have high staff turnover which means that staff often do not have time to form personal relationships with residents. Inadequate training can also be a major problem which leads to poor care in a nursing home. When staff are not properly trained or are overworked, they can make serious mistakes which endanger residents. Nursing home residents with compromised immune systems, ongoing medical issues, and elderly residents are most at risk of dying from neglect.

Signs That Your Loved One is Not Being Properly Cared For

Often, nursing home residents suffer from cognitive decline in addition to physical conditions. Residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may not be able to understand or remember that they are being mistreated. In situations like this, it is up to the loved ones to look for red flags that something is not right. Signs that your loved one may be neglected in a nursing home include:

• Bed sores (also called pressure ulcers or pressure sores);
• Weight loss;
• Dehydration;
• Unsanitary living conditions;
• Poor hygiene;
• Reoccurring infections;
• Instances of wandering or elopement;
• Medication mismanagement;
• Fear of staff or reluctance to speak in staff members’ presence; and
• Sudden changes in behavior.

Lack of Supervision Can Lead to Injuries or Even Death

Nursing home residents are among the frailest members of our society. Residents with mobility issues may have trouble moving about the facility and are especially at risk of falling. Residents with cognitive decline may become confused and wander out of their rooms into unsafe areas of the building such as kitchens and utility closets. Tragically, nursing home residents have died after eloping from the facility and being exposed to the elements. Nursing home staff must supervise residents closely as well as eliminate environmental hazards which could pose a risk of injury to residents. Nursing homes which do not fulfill these duties may be considered negligent and therefore legally responsible for any injury or death that occurs due to their carelessness.

Contact a Winnebago County Personal Injury Attorney  

If you or someone you love has suffered nursing home neglect or abuse, you need a strong legal advocate on your side. Reach out to an experienced Rockford, Illinois nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer for help. To schedule a free consultation with Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Injury Law, call us today at 815-215-7561.

Sources:

https://www.nextavenue.org/6-signs-of-nursing-home-neglect/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/elder-or-dependent-adult-neglect