One of the most difficult decisions many families are forced to make is whether or not to place their elderly loved one in a nursing home. Although many families try to care for their senior family member in their homes, it often gets to the point where the care they need is beyond what family members can provide, such as if the senior has dementia or serious medical issues. Tragically, far too many of these residents end up as victims of nursing home abuse. Nursing home abuse claims encompass a variety of issues. One of the most common is the neglect of the resident.
If you or a family member has experienced harm as a result of negligence at a nursing home, reach out to the team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp. We operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you won’t owe any legal fees unless we secure compensation for you. Call us today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation and to explore your options.
What Is Nursing Home Neglect?
Nursing homes are supposed to be safe havens for our elderly population and families depend on the facilities to take good care of their loved ones. Tragically, far too many nursing homes end up being anything but havens and elderly patients end up suffering neglect injuries. It is estimated that approximately two million people over the age of 65 have been victims of some type of elderly neglect or abuse.
There are different types of nursing home neglect that a resident may suffer. Physical neglect includes the failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or hygiene. The resident may show signs of malnutrition, dehydration, or poor personal hygiene due to neglect.
There is also medical neglect where the resident is not receiving the necessary medical care, treatment, or medications they need. This can cause injuries, worsening medical conditions, or even death.
Failure to provide for the resident’s basic needs or emotional health is also considered neglect. This includes neglecting the resident’s right to participate in activities, exercise, or personal care, which can affect their overall well-being. They may experience isolation, leading to feelings of loneliness or depression.
Failure to supervise residents has also caused tragic events, with residents wandering off by themselves or suffering falls and other accidents.
What Are Some of the Common Red Flags of Nursing Home Neglect?
The following are some of the more common nursing home neglect issues that our nursing home abuse lawyers have seen in the cases we’ve handled:
Unexplained Weight Loss
One of the most alarming signs of neglect is noticeable weight loss or malnutrition. Residents may lose weight due to inadequate food intake or a lack of attention to their dietary needs. If a loved one appears thinner or has lost significant weight, it may indicate that they are not receiving proper meals or assistance with eating.
Dehydration
Dehydration is another critical red flag. If residents frequently exhibit signs such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, or confusion, it may suggest they are not receiving sufficient fluids. This neglect can lead to serious health complications, including kidney failure and urinary tract infections.
Poor Hygiene and Unkempt Appearance
Neglected residents may have poor personal hygiene, such as unbathed bodies, dirty clothes, or uncombed hair. If a loved one consistently appears unclean or disheveled, it can indicate a lack of attention from the staff regarding their basic grooming needs.
Bedsores and Pressure Ulcers
Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are a significant sign of neglect. They develop when residents are not regularly repositioned or cared for, leading to skin breakdown. Bedsores can indicate a lack of adequate care and supervision.
Emotional Changes
Sudden changes in behavior or mood can also signal neglect. Residents may become withdrawn, anxious, or depressed if they feel isolated or are not receiving emotional support. A noticeable decline in their mental health or a personality change can be a direct result of neglectful care.
Frequent Accidents or Falls
If a resident experiences multiple falls or accidents, it may indicate insufficient supervision or inadequate safety measures. Such incidents can lead to serious injuries and indicate that staff members are not adequately monitoring residents’ safety.
Untreated Medical Needs
Neglect may also manifest as a failure to address medical needs, such as unfilled prescriptions or missed appointments. If a resident’s health conditions are not being managed appropriately, it raises concerns about their quality of care.
How Can a Virginia Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Help?
If you suspect your elderly family member is being abused or neglected, contact a personal injury who specializes in nursing home abuse cases to find out what steps you can take to protect your loved one. Your attorney can assist with the correct reporting protocols to ensure that all municipal elderly protection agencies have been notified.
Your attorney can also assist in advocating for your family with a nursing home abuse lawsuit. Damages that a nursing home abuse lawsuit can recover are medical costs, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and past and future impairment. Your attorney may also be able to obtain punitive damages if it can be shown that there was malicious intent or extreme cruelty inflicted upon your loved one.
Call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp today at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation and find out what legal recourse your family may have.