What is Nursing Home Neglect?
Nursing home neglect refers to the intentional or unintentional act of failing to provide proper care to a nursing home resident. Neglect is different from abuse. It can be identified by observing the following changes in the nursing home resident:
- Sudden weight loss, especially if the resident requires assistance feeding themselves
- Malnutrition as evidenced by frequent infections and bedsores
- Pressure ulcers or bedsores from failing to adequately turn the resident
- Falls resulting in different types of injuries
- Dehydration caused by the failure to give the resident adequate amounts of water
- Presence of environmental hazards, such as unsafe furniture, unsafe walkers and wheelchairs, bad lighting, slippery floors in the nursing home facility.
- Alterations in personal hygiene and appearance
- Abnormal changes in the behavior of the resident
- Lack of proper safety and security of residents
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to carry out further investigations. In most cases, it may be difficult to identify any direct signs of nursing home neglect. Try talking to your loved one about their experience. More importantly, if you suspect neglect in care is occurring, ensure you contact an experienced Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Ohio. The lawyer will help you determine if neglect or abuse has occurred and advise you on the necessary steps to take.
What Are the Common Types of Nursing Home Neglect?
Nursing home neglect can vary according to each individual case. There are four major types of nursing home neglect:
- Emotional or Social Neglect: This type of nursing home neglect occurs when a nursing home resident is repeatedly ignored by staff members or is yelled at by an overstressed staff member.
- Neglect of Personal Hygiene: This occurs when a resident is not accorded adequate assistance with their bathing, laundry, cleaning, brushing their teeth or any other type of hygiene practices.
- Neglect of Basic Needs: This happens when a nursing home fails to provide a resident with a reasonable amount of food or water or fails to provide a safe and clean environment.
- Medical Neglect: This is when a nursing home fails to adequately prevent the medical concerns of a resident, including provisional care for cognitive disorders, infections, bedsores, laceration and mobility infections.
A study by the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) showed that nursing home neglect was cited in 58% of cases. Females in the nursing home are a higher risk for abuse and neglect, and the most vulnerable patients are those ill or handicapped, according to the American Bar Association report.
If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, contact a trusted Nursing Home Abuse attorney Youngstown OH. An attorney can help investigate the situation and bring justice to your loved by ensuring the at-fault party is penalized for their actions.
