Three Signs of Nursing Home Negligence

13 Jul Three Signs of Nursing Home Negligence

Nursing home negligence means that the nursing home is not living up to reasonable expectations of care. In some cases, neglect in nursing homes can be deadly. Not all cases of negligence involve actual abuse. In some cases, elderly neglect is just as bad, however. Here are three signs to keep an eye out for.

Poor Hygiene

For some people, getting older means that they can no longer take care of their own hygiene needs. This leaves them in a situation where they are utterly dependent upon others to take care of them in this regard and where there are very real dangers to their lives if the people in charge of taking care of them don't live up to expectations. Look for signs that the patient may not be getting bathed as needed. Such situations can lead to infections, illnesses and the worsening of existing conditions.

Steep Declines in Health

In some cases, patients in nursing homes aren't given the medications that they need or end up not receiving other treatments. In these situations, a condition from which they suffer may suddenly get worse with no apparent cause. If you believe that they're not receiving adequate care to attend to their known conditions, speak with their physician. Having the physician take a look at them may reveal that they are not getting the treatments that they need and that the nursing home is neglecting them.

Infections

Infection is a frequent consequence of not being taken cared of properly. Infections may result from bed sores, untreated injuries or filth in general. If the patient seems to be coming down with infections repeatedly, there is a chance that they are not being attended to as needed and that the lack of attention is causing the problem.

Having someone in a nursing home is always an emotional challenge, but you should feel reasonably secure in the fact that they are being given the treatments they need and being taken care of in an effective and dignified manner. If you do not feel as much, you may wish to speak to an attorney about the matter.

Negligence is something over which you can file a lawsuit and an attorney can help you put one together. If you get a settlement or a jury award, it may be enough to cover the costs of moving the patient to a better facility where they are cared for properly.