Nursing home neglect can take many forms. When you entrust a loved one’s care to a nursing home, you likely expect a certain level of care and attention. While some nursing home residents are subject to active physical, emotional or even sexual abuse, others may simply be forgotten for hours or days at a time.
Here’s an overview of the different types of nursing home neglect:
- Neglect of medical needs: People in nursing homes typically have more medical needs than someone living on their own. Medical neglect can look like untreated bed sores, failing to give the patient their medication or not making sure patients get physical exercise. It can also include improper medical care for existing problems, or failing to report symptoms of illness to the doctors.
- Neglect of social or emotional needs: Social and emotional neglect might not leave physical scars, but has far-reaching emotional effects. Some nursing home staff purposely or accidentally isolate patients, whether that’s because they’re understaffed, don’t like the patient or other reasons. Sometimes the staff will refuse to let the resident visit with family or other residents. When a nursing home prevents residents from interacting with people, whether accidentally or purposely, this is a kind of neglect.
- Neglect of personal hygiene: Poor hygiene in nursing homes makes residents more susceptible to illness and infection. If a nursing home fails to regularly change the patient’s bedding and clothing, that’s considered neglect. Failing to bathe and check in on the residents is also a sign of neglect.
- Neglect of basic living needs: Most nursing home residents are unable to control their environment, such as cleaning, cooking meals, adjusting the temperature and providing adequate bedding. When a nursing home’s staff fail to provide for these basic needs, it can be deeply detrimental.
While many nursing homes are understaffed, that’s no excuse for neglect. Keep an eye on your loved one, and try to visit them as often as possible. If you notice any signs of neglect above, or the resident is showing unusual behavior changes, call the Law Offices of Tim Misny.
Nursing home abuse and neglect happen more often than most people realize. The only way to prevent it is to stay vigilant and report any issues you encounter. In some cases, you or your loved one may be eligible to file a claim against the home.
Call an Ohio nursing home neglect attorney today
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your nursing home neglect claim. If your loved one is suffering from a neglectful nursing home, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (800) 556-4769 so that I can evaluate your case right away.