Transcript:
Nursing home neglect occurs when a nursing home fails to give a person the attention and care they need. Common signs of neglect include poor hygiene, malnutrition, unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, and unsafe or unsanitary living conditions. Catching these signs early on will help you determine if a nursing home is neglecting your loved one.
When a nursing home doesn’t have enough staff or doesn’t train its workers properly, residents’ hygiene is often one of the first things to suffer. Since nursing home staff are responsible for helping residents brush their teeth, bathe, brush their hair, clip their nails, and change their clothes, a lack of hygiene in any of these areas is a sign of neglect.
Weakness, illness, and weight loss, due to malnutrition, are also signs of nursing home neglect. Malnutrition usually happens when a nursing home is experiencing high traffic or fails to give its residents the individualized care they require. Serious malnutrition leads to illness and eventually death.
Similarly, unexplained bruises or broken bones are clear warning signs that a resident isn’t receiving the help they need. If an elderly person tries to do something like get dressed or walk without assistance, they may fall and injure themselves.
Sudden changes in behavior can also signal neglect. A neglected resident may try to isolate themselves from other people, or they may show signs of depression or anger. They may also be reluctant to talk in front of nursing home staff. Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions are red flags when it comes to nursing home neglect. If a resident doesn’t have access to clean clothes and bedding, or if the kitchen or bathroom seem dirty, that’s a sign of neglect. Similarly, a nursing home should minimize hazardous conditions like slippery floors, low lighting, and unsafe equipment.
Nursing homes have a legal duty to provide sufficient care and attention for their residents. If a nursing home resident suffers from neglect, then the nursing home may be liable for any consequences. This includes medical bills, out-of- pocket expenses, and pain and suffering.
If your loved one appears to be suffering from nursing home neglect, and you are wondering if you have a claim, please feel free to call and speak to one of our Georgia nursing home neglect lawyers today. Our consultations are always free. If you would like more information about this topic, be sure to click on our other videos, or better yet, click the subscribe button to subscribe to our YouTube channel. Thank you.
