Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

Monday, October 14, 2019

Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Nursing home residents are among the most vulnerable people in our society. They choose to live in facilities where they can expect their basic needs to be met and have assistance with tasks when they need it. Unfortunately, this does not always occur, and every year thousands of people throughout the United States are subjected to nursing home neglect, often with tragic outcomes.

It’s important to remember that the loved ones of nursing home residents are often their first line of defense. For this reason, if you have a family member or close friend in a nursing home, it’s a good idea to acquaint yourself with the most common signs of neglect. 

Bedsores

Bedsores are ulcers that can occur when parts of the body are under continuous pressure for a prolonged time. Also called pressure ulcers, they often develop when a person is bedridden or confined to a wheelchair. Because bedsores can be prevented by turning, proper positioning, skincare, and good nutrition, they are often a sign of neglect when they happen to nursing home residents.

Untreated Medical Conditions

Nursing homes have a duty to provide their residents with adequate medical care. When nursing home residents develop medical conditions that go untreated, it is typically a sign of neglect. Conditions can range from a common cold to more serious conditions like untreated injuries or infections. If you notice that your loved one has a medical condition that is not being treated, alert the nursing home’s management immediately.

Unsanitary Conditions

Nursing home residents are often unable to clean their living quarters or themselves – they rely on nursing home staff to do so. As a result, unsanitary conditions are usually a sign that a resident is not getting the level of care they deserve. When you visit your loved one, be sure to take a look at their bathroom, their sheets, and the general condition of their environment. If it seems unsanitary, neglect may be occurring.

Malnutrition

You should always expect that a nursing home resident will be provided adequate food, water, and other vitamins and nutrients they need. However, some long-term care facilities do not always make sure that residents are attending meals or receiving proper meals and hydration in their rooms. Some signs that a resident might be malnourished include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained weight gain
• Skin problems
• Hair loss
• Extreme fatigue
• Anemia

Malnutrition is more common in nursing homes than you might imagine, so you should always look for signs and symptoms when you visit your loved one.

Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Consultation with a Chicago Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

If you believe you or a loved one has suffered neglect at the hands of nursing home staff, you should contact an experienced lawyer as soon as you can. At Malman Law, we know how devastating nursing home neglect can be and have the skill required to hold nursing homes accountable. To schedule a free case evaluation with a nursing home attorney in Chicago, call our office today at (312) 629-0099 or contact us online.