Nursing home negligence is a shocking reality that is far too common across the country. If you or your loved one was a victim of negligence or abuse in a nursing home, you could sue the facility in question for your injuries or losses.
Negligence may include intentional acts of abuse by the staff or the mere failure to prevent or address certain problems.
3 kinds of nursing home neglect you need to recognize
Negligence at a nursing home entails deviations from the standards of professional care expected of such facilities. It may include:
- Medical negligence: This arises when the facility does not meet the medical needs of a resident, often through inaction or inadequate care.
- Social, emotional or psychological neglect: This entails non-verbal cues and abandonment. Human beings are social beings, and the atmosphere at a nursing home should foster interaction between residents. Unnecessarily isolating some residents may amount to emotional neglect.
- Failing to meet the resident’s basic needs: A nursing home should ensure that the residents are well fed and taken care of. If the facility is unsafe or does not meet the residents’ basic needs, such as adequate food and water, that could form the basis of a negligence lawsuit.
The signs to look out for are primarily physical, such as bruises, bedsores, malnutrition, and dehydration. In addition, temperamental or sudden mood changes could also point towards something amiss.
Emotions may run high when nursing home neglect occurs
It may be a stressful and emotionally charged situation when you find out your loved one has been suffering under the hands of the people supposed to take care of them. It is important to know the legal steps you can take as you pursue justice for your loved one.