Perhaps the most widespread form of elder abuse is nursing home neglect. Neglect occurs when a caregiver responsible for the health and safety of an elderly individual fails to provide them with fundamental needs, such as food, suitable shelter, medical help, proper personal hygiene, or environment. The range of neglect can range from minor, to very severe, but the psychological and physical damage is almost always harsh due to the frailty of the elderly. Most troubling is that most victims of elderly neglect are ignored or silenced, making this form of abuse so much worse.
Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
While victims of elderly neglect often go unheard, there are many signs that indicate whether nursing home neglect exists. Falls: Elderly falls are common, but may also be a direct result of neglect. Neglect will leave elderly victims fail and brittle and more likely to succumb to falling and tripping. Making matters worse, neglected victims may lie stranded for long periods after a fall, aggravating pre-existing or new injuries caused by the fall. Broken bones or fractured hips are especially rampant during these falls. Bed Sores: The development of pressure sores or bed sores (Decubitus Ulcers) are a strong sign of nursing home neglect. These sores build up after prolonged periods in bed without good care or movement. While the severity of the sore can range greatly, bed sores can infiltrate the skin and even cause debilitating infections. Malnutrition or Dehydration: Nursing homes are responsible for providing adequate nutrition and food to the elderly. This includes food, snacks, as well as vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, many elderly are incapable of feeding themselves. Thus, simply bringing a tray of food could be inadequate care. Some signs of malnutrition include:- Cracked or pale skin around the lips
- Loss of hair
- Tooth decay
- Constant fatigue
- Bed Sores or skin rashes
- Loss of consciousness or confusion
- Brittle bones
- Urinary track infection
- Rapid weight loss
Types of Nursing Home Neglect
If you suspect a relative is a victim of Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse contact the Downtown LA Law Firm
Causes of Nursing Home Neglect
We all hope that our twilight years will be spent comfortably and enjoyably. However, many nursing homes engage in negligent practices that undermine a successful environment. Our attorneys will make sure that such practices are put to a stop in the future, and that they suffer consequences for poor practices in the past. Nursing home negligence is caused by:- Insufficient number of staff
- Poor or lack of training for the staff
- Under qualified or non-qualified nurses and caregivers
- Dreadful hiring procedures
- Lacking oversight by management of their staff
- Nursing Home Negligence Attorneys
- Improper funding of the nursing home
- Lack of quality medical devices, medicines or equipment
The Ultimate Guide to Nursing Home Neglect & Elder Abuse
– Elder Abuse Attorney Los Angeles– Emotional Elder Abuse Attorney
– Bed Sore Attorney | Elderly Neglect
– Medication Error in Nursing Homes
– What is Elder Abuse?
– Nursing Home Slip and Fall Attorney
– Elder Financial Abuse Attorney
– Elder Abuse Neglect Laws Attorney
– Residential Care Elderly Abuse Attorney
– Who Can Sue For Elder Abuse?
– Elder Abuse Wrongful Death Lawsuit
– Elderly Medical Malpractice Attorney
– Bed Sore Wrongful Death Lawsuit
– Bed Sore Injury Attorney – Nursing Home Neglect
– Different Stages of Bedsores
– Hospital Bed Sore Lawsuit – Can a Hospital be Sued for Patient Neglect
– Nursing home sexual assault
– Infections in Nursing Homes
– Nursing Home Heat Stroke Lawsuit