The decision to trust a nursing home with the care of a loved one is never easy. Too often, assisted living facilities do not provide the level of care they promise and residents pay the price. Below are some tips on how to recognize nursing home negligence.
Awareness Is Key
Once your loved one has entered a home, monitor his or her condition carefully, watching for the most common signs of institutional abuse and neglect.
- Fluctuations in body weight. Significant loss may reflect underfeeding or an otherwise inadequate diet.
- Unexplained physical injuries. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, particularly to elderly adults with impaired eyesight or balance. This does not mean, however, that you should not request details of how an injury occurred.
- Inadequate personal grooming. When you visit your loved one, make note of the condition of his or her clothing, hair, skin, nails and other physical features. If clothing is dirty or the resident unbathed, it may be a sign of neglect.
- Missing personal effects. Take a full inventory of your loved one’s possessions when entering the facility, and make periodic checks to be sure nothing has been taken. If a resident tends to be forgetful, notify staff to be vigilant, and report any losses to senior administrators.
Safeguarding your loved one begins with knowing how to detect nursing home neglect and abuse. Choose a nursing home carefully: tour the facility and look for signs of carelessness or inattention, such as cluttered corridors, unkempt rooms and withdrawn, unhappy residents. Visit the commons room, dining hall, and other amenities, to see if they are overcrowded or uncomfortable.
If you suspect that someone you love has experienced nursing home abuse or neglect, contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. A lawyer experienced in nursing home neglect can assess your case and explain your legal options. For more information, contact an attorney today.
