Placing a loved one in a nursing home is a difficult decision made with the expectation of compassionate, professional care. When facilities fail to meet basic standards—through neglect, abuse, or substandard care—it can lead to serious injury, suffering, or even death. Nursing home negligence is a form of elder abuse, and families have legal rights to hold facilities accountable. Here’s what you need to know if you suspect your loved one is being mistreated.
Common Forms of Nursing Home Negligence
- Physical Neglect: Bedsores (pressure ulcers), malnutrition, dehydration, or untreated infections.
- Medication Errors: Overmedication, under-medication, or wrong prescriptions causing harm.
- Falls and Injuries: Due to inadequate supervision, lack of bed rails, or unsafe conditions.
- Emotional and Verbal Abuse: Humiliation, isolation, or threats by staff.
- Financial Exploitation: Unauthorized use of resident funds or theft of personal belongings.
- Sexual Abuse: A severe and underreported form of mistreatment.
These issues often result from understaffing, poor training, or inadequate oversight.
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or fractures
- Sudden weight loss or poor hygiene
- Withdrawal, fearfulness, or depression
- Dirty or unsafe living conditions
- Sudden changes in behavior or personality
- Missing personal items or unexplained financial transactions
Steps to Take If You Suspect Neglect or Abuse
- Document Everything: Take photographs, keep a detailed log of incidents, and save medical records.
- Report Immediately: Contact the facility administrator, state licensing agency, and Adult Protective Services (APS).
- Seek Medical Evaluation: Have an independent doctor assess your loved one’s condition.
- Consider Relocation: Move your loved one to a safer facility if possible.
- Consult an Attorney: A nursing home abuse lawyer can investigate, file a claim, and pursue compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
Legal Protections and Remedies
Under state elder abuse laws and federal regulations (Nursing Home Reform Act), victims and families can seek significant damages, including attorney fees in many cases.
We’re Here to Help Protect the Vulnerable
Nursing home negligence is unacceptable and often preventable. If your loved one has suffered due to poor care or abuse, our compassionate team is ready to fight for justice. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and hold the facility accountable.
