Nursing Home Neglect

All too often, the people least able to defend themselves become victims of nursing home neglect and abuse. Residents of nursing homes are often physically limited, and may suffer mental impairments as well. When nursing home neglect occurs, the victims may not be aware, or may be unable or unwilling to report it. Identifying and reporting nursing home neglect therefore becomes the responsibility of the victim's loved ones. Both federal and state governments have enacted laws protecting residents from nursing home neglect, recognizing that treatment below a certain standard of care violates resident rights.

Most nursing home neglect is the result of nursing homes with an insufficient or poorly trained staff. While there is frequently no malicious intent behind nursing home neglect, victims can suffer greatly, and may even die as a result of the lack of care. Some examples of the results of nursing home neglect include: injury due to a fall; bedsores, pressure sores, and decubitus ulcers; malnutrition/dehydration; and insufficient medical care. nursing home neglect may also result in inadequate supervision, which is especially dangerous for any patients suffering from dementia who may wander away from the home.

Signs of nursing home neglect include poor grooming/hygiene, sudden or severe weight loss, bruising, development of bedsores, heavy sedation in place of supervision, and sudden emotional changes. Recognizing nursing home neglect before the situation becomes life-threatening is critical; residents who have frequent visitors have a better chance of being identified as nursing home neglect victims. Immediately begin documenting your concerns in writing if you suspect that a loved one is potentially a victim of nursing home neglect. You should also contact the staff and management, and meet with family members of other residents to discuss your concerns about nursing home neglect in that facility. The families of other residents may be able to give you more information about possible examples of nursing home neglect.

The emotional, psychological, and physical damages that result from being subjected to nursing home neglect can be astronomical, as can the costs associated with medical care, counseling, finding new facilities, etc. Victims of nursing home neglect have a right to recover money associated with their injuries from those responsible for their care. In some instances, this includes punitive damages designed to discourage nursing home neglect by that facility and others in the future. If you or someone you love has been the victim of nursing home neglect, an attorney who has experience representing the victims of nursing home care can help you understand your rights and make important decisions about your future.

More Information on Nursing Home Abuse:

» Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes
» Emotional Abuse in Nursing Homes
» Nursing Home Abuse
» Nursing Home Abuse Articles
» Nursing Home Abuse Laws
» Nursing Home Abuse Organizations
» Nursing Home Abuse Pictures
» Nursing Home Abuse Prevention
» Nursing Home Abuse Settlements
» Nursing Home Abuse Statistics
» Nursing Home Care
» Nursing Home Case
» Nursing Home Complaints
» Nursing Home Elder Financial Abuse
» Nursing Home Injuries
» Nursing Home Lawsuits
» Nursing Home Litigation
» Nursing Home Malpractices
» Nursing Home Neglect
» Nursing Home Negligence
» Nursing Home Ratings
» Nursing Home Reform
» Nursing Home Regulations
» Reporting Nursing Home Abuse

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