Nursing home neglect occurs when nursing homes fail to meet the physical and emotional needs of residents. This can lead to serious health problems and even death for elderly patients. Neglect can cause serious harm to residents, but the team at Whitener Law Firm can help you get the justice you deserve. Learn more about nursing home neglect and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones. If you or a loved one are a victim of nursing home neglect, call us at (505) 883-7877.
Social or Emotional Neglect
In nursing homes, social interaction is important for the physical and emotional health of residents. However, if a staff member or manager is ignoring residents or not providing them with the appropriate care, this could be considered social neglect. Emotional abuse is also a common problem among elderly residents of nursing homes, and it can be difficult to detect. For example, your loved one may avoid eye contact or speak in an apprehensive voice when talking to you or others in the facility.
If you think your loved one may be suffering from nursing home neglect, speak with a trusted advocate from Whitener Law Firm for help. They can guide you through the process of filing a claim and getting compensation for you or your family.
Providing Bad Medical Treatment
Providing substandard medical treatment is another form of nursing home neglect. This is a serious issue as it can cause significant injury and illness to residents. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, it’s important to know what signs you should look out for if you think they may be suffering from abuse. If your loved one is exhibiting any of these signs, it’s vital to report the issues immediately to nursing home staff.
Malnutrition is another major sign of neglect or abuse at a nursing home. This can happen when staff members fail to feed residents adequately, or if they intentionally withhold food or drinks from patients.
When a patient is being abused or neglected at a nursing home, it’s critical to contact a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. They can help investigate the claims, determine who was responsible for the negligence, and hold the nursing home liable for any injuries or death caused by their carelessness.
Neglecting Basic Needs
When nursing home staff neglect residents’ basic needs, they are putting their health and safety at risk. Neglecting a person’s food, water, and safe surroundings can cause them to become malnourished and die prematurely. Common signs of this type of neglect include weakness, a dry mouth, cracked lips, and swollen tongue. They may also develop bedsores, which are painful pressure ulcers that occur when a resident spends their entire day in bed or a wheelchair.
Often, this neglect is the result of staff turnover, poor scheduling methods, and budget shortfalls. If your loved one is not getting the care they need, it is essential that you report this to the facility immediately. If the facility fails to provide adequate care, contact Whitener Law Firm to get help for your loved one.
Financial Exploitation
Despite their age, many older people are vulnerable to financial abuse. This can happen in a variety of ways, including unauthorized bank withdrawals or the theft of money, checks, credit cards, or property. Nursing home staff, physicians, nutrition professionals, activity aids, and other care providers can all commit financial abuse against residents. If you suspect that your loved one may be the victim of financial exploitation, it is important to file a report with the nursing home, and if they do not adequately handle the situation, our team of expert lawyers can help.
Whitener Law Firm in Albuquerque has been New Mexico’s trusted personal injury law firm for over twenty years. If you or a loved one have experienced nursing home neglect, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.