Nursing home neglect is a form of knowledgeable substandard care. This means the negligent actions of the caregiver were done despite the caregiver knowing it would likely lead to the resident’s harm .
Neglect can vary according to each case and it can sometimes be difficult to detect. If you suspect your loved one is the victim of nursing home neglect, look for these signs on your next visit.
1. Poor Personal Hygiene
Nurses and staff are expected to aid some residents in basic personal hygiene. This could be as simple as brushing someone’s hair or as complicated as helping them bathe. When a person is neglected, they are left to take care of themselves and are often unable to do so on their own.
A resident with neglected personal hygiene might have:
- unwashed or unkempt hair;
- long fingernails;
- unbrushed or yellowing teeth;
- dirty or wrinkled clothing; and/or
- mismatched clothing.
2. Unclean Living Conditions
Nursing home staff are expected to maintain a sanitary and clean space for residents. This can range from helping residents keep their living areas to common areas clean and free of debris. If you notice your loved one’s living area is looking a little dusty or in disarray, it could be a sign that the facility is neglecting them.
3. Physical Issues Due to Lack of Nutrition
Sadly, neglect could eventually affect a loved one’s physical wellbeing. If the facility is inadequately, thus creating a lack of individual care, your loved one’s nutrition could suffer. If you notice sudden, unexplainable weight loss, it could be due to lack of proper nutrition and/or dehydration. However, it’s important to note that these symptoms could also be due to another serious health issue, so if you notice this occurring with your loved one make sure they get checked by a licensed physician.
4. Loss or Lack of Mobility
Often, mobility is challenging for nursing home residents. Staff should ensure residents can move freely around the facility; whether that be by wheelchair, walker, or a cane. Many facilities often promote light exercise through certain fitness programs so residents can maintain a healthy muscle tone. If a person is neglected, they may be left in their bed for extended periods of time. Without movement, your loved one could develop bedsores or skin infections.
5. Mysterious Injuries
The sudden appearance of cuts or bruises could be a clear sign that neglect is happening at a nursing home. People who aren’t receiving the help they need may attempt to do things for themselves, which could result in accidental self-injury.
6. Psychological Issues
Neglect can cause a number of emotional issues for residents. They could become frightened of certain caregivers and may be reluctant to talk to you about the issues they’re facing. Sometimes, residents will fall into a depression and refuse to eat or speak. If you notice a change in your loved one’s mood, it could be a from neglect.
The Percy Law Group, P.C. Can Help You Take Action
If you have reason to believe your loved one is being neglected at a nursing home facility, our firm can help. Our nursing home neglect attorneys realize how delicate the situation may be. We will do everything we can to help you obtain the compensation you and your family deserve.
Contact our firm online or call us at (508) 206-9900 for a legal consultation.