Nursing Home Neglect: Recognizing And Responding To The Signs Of Elder Abuse
The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is a difficult one. Families trust these facilities to care for their family members’ physical, emotional, and mental needs. Residential care institutions owe these residents a moral, ethical, and legal duty to provide proper care. Too often, this care falls far short, resulting in devastating consequences for vulnerable residents. This is why it is important to know how to recognize and respond to the signs of elder abuse.
Common Forms and Warning Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
In a care facility, neglect can take on many forms and can impact a resident’s health and quality of life. Some examples of nursing home neglect include:
- Failing to call the patient’s health care provider when needed
- Withholding food or water, causing nutritional deficits
- Ignoring a resident’s illnesses or injuries
- Leaving residents with mobility issues alone in their rooms for extended periods
- Neglecting to change a resident’s clothing or bed linens at regular intervals or when soiled
Family members and friends must be aware of the outward signs of potential neglect. This information must be communicated to staff and administrators for the protection of the resident. Some signs of nursing home neglect include:
- Poor hygiene
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Pressure ulcers or bed sores
- Depression or signs of emotional withdrawal
- Untreated medical issues
- Unexplained injuries or frequent falls
Recognizing these symptoms early can help prevent further harm to your loved one.
Taking Action After Suspecting Neglect
When indications of neglect are present, the family member or friend must document what signs are present. If the resident can communicate, they may be able to offer additional information. Facility administrators must be apprised immediately to ensure the safety and health of the resident. If action is not taken immediately to remedy the situation, a report must be made to the proper authorities, including local adult protective services.
Ultimately, the urgent medical needs of the resident must be addressed immediately to prevent a potentially dire situation. Once the individual is out of acute harm, action must then be taken to ensure further neglect does not occur.
Contact Us Today For Help Navigating Your Nursing Home Negligence Case
If you believe you were injured due to medical negligence or a delayed diagnosis, the best first step you can take is to talk to a medical malpractice attorney. Our team will help you navigate your best legal options moving forward.
With decades of experience in medical malpractice, the attorneys at Zevan Murphy are ready to help you find justice. For more information on recognizing and responding to the signs of elder abuse, contact our attorneys for a free consultation today.