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Know The Signs Of Nursing Home Negligence And What To Do About It

If you have a relative who is living in a nursing home, then it is essential to know what the signs are of negligence and what you should do if you believe your loved one's care needs are being overlooked. When your relative is under the care of any care facility, they have a legal requirement to provide adequate care and can be severely fined by the various government regulatory agencies or sued by a family member if they fail to do so.

To help you protect your relative against nursing neglect, here is more information about this issue:

The Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

There are many different types of nursing home abuse and neglect that you need to be aware of.

Physical Abuse

The first type includes physical abuse and is includes the following:

  • the use of illegal restraints
  • bruises from improper handling
  • injuries without a reasonable cause
  • bed sores from not being regularly turned

When you see any of these signs, there is definitely a problem that requires immediate attention.

Mental Abuse

Sometimes nursing home abuse and neglect don't cause physical problems but rather mental health issues that can be harder for you to spot. Some common signs of mental abuse include the following:

  • isolation from other residents
  • threatening behavior from staff
  • signs of emotional changes

Since the nursing home is your relative's home, they should be given the opportunity to socialize with other residents and have their mental health needs tended to.

Neglected Care

Even when physical and mental abuse is not present, your relative's care can be neglected by the following actions:

  • lack of food
  • lack of hydration
  • prescribed medication not given
  • untreated medical problems
  • untreated dental issues

If you see any of the above signs of abuse or neglect, you should take immediate action.

What to do if You Suspect Nursing Home Negligence

In conclusion, if you suspect that your loved one is being neglected by their nursing home's staff, then it is important that you take immediate action. You should request copies of all of your relative's medical records at the nursing home and you should contact an attorney who specializes in elder care law, such as those at Bennett & Sharp PLLC. The records can be reviewed by your elder care attorney to help determine if neglect is present. Make sure that you obtain a copy of the care plan document because it outlines exactly the care that the nursing home has agreed to provide for your loved one. Your lawyer can also advise you of the steps you should follow in dealing with the nursing home moving forward.


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