We’re all guilty of occasional instances of neglect. We might forget to water the houseplants or stay out longer than planned, causing the family dog to become stressed. These occasional instances don’t cause harm.
However, when neglect occurs in a nursing home, it is usually systematic and directly compromises the health and well-being of the residents.
If you have a loved one in a nursing home, you are still their primary caregiver. That is why you must be vigilant in watching out for the warning signs of nursing home neglect. If you suspect neglect, report it immediately.
You should also consider speaking with the attorneys at Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC.
Our experience as Gulfport nursing home abuse lawyers has helped many families hold facilities accountable and helped their get their loved ones get the care they need.
What Are the Different Types of Nursing Home Neglect?
Nursing home neglect is not a single event but a recurring series of instances that compound and can directly impact the care your loved one needs. This is also a contract issue because you probably signed an agreement that stipulated the level of care the facility was obliged to provide.
Here are some of the different types of nursing home neglect you need to be aware of:
Medical Neglect
One of the primary reasons you want to transition a loved one into a nursing home facility is so that their medical needs will be provided for. There should always be a certified medical professional on call at the facility.
Many residents have medical conditions such as dementia and diabetes that have certain medical protocols that need to be followed. If the staff doesn’t follow these protocols or skips them, the resident’s health can be compromised.
Social & Emotional Neglect
Not all neglect is tied to a physical ailment. There can also be emotional neglect that is equally harmful.
A nursing home is meant to be a home. That means a caring environment where residents are given the opportunity to socialize and engage with one another. Yes, some residents may have mobility issues, but these should be taken into account. They should be afforded the opportunity to be transported by wheelchair to common areas for socialization and activities.
If they are bedridden, then accommodations should be made to bring the socialization to them.
Neglect of Basic Living Needs
A nursing home is obligated to meet the basic living needs of each resident. Those needs include changing the bedding, providing clean clothes, and helping them get dressed, if needed. It also includes basic hygiene tasks, such as bathing, brushing teeth, shaving, and grooming hair. All of these tasks should be scheduled with the flexibility to accommodate occasional accidents.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Neglect?
Each type of neglect will manifest with different symptoms. Often, these symptoms can point to different types of neglect.
Here are the warning signs of neglect to keep an eye out for with your loved one:
- Pressure ulcers
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Burns
- Bruising
- Change in sleeping habits
- Drastic change in personality
- Depression
- Failure to take care of personal hygiene
If you recognize any of these signs of neglect, please bring them to the attention of the nursing home staff. You should also consult with a skilled nursing home abuse lawyer.
Can You Sue for Nursing Home Neglect?
After confirming neglect, you can report the facility to the Mississippi State Department of Health.
You can also file a civil complaint that can compel the nursing home to get into compliance and hold them accountable with financial compensation.
The attorneys at Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC have supported many families who found themselves in a situation where their loved ones were being neglected at their care facility. We understand the complex nature of these types of claims. Our experience enables us to provide the support and guidance you need to make informed decisions about your loved one’s care.
If you suspect there is neglect happening at your loved one’s nursing home, we want to hear from you.
