Many families rely on nursing homes to provide round-the-clock care to relatives in need. When someone is suffering from a long-term condition or disability, nursing homes can provide on-going care and treatment. In some instances, nursing homes can also provide respite care and temporary care for individuals who are recovering from acute medical conditions.
Fortunately, the majority of nursing homes provide a good standard of care. Sadly, this isn’t always the case. In some instances, nursing homes may provide a substandard level of care, either due to neglect or abuse.
What is Nursing Home Neglect?
Nursing home neglect typically occurs when nursing home residents aren’t given the care they need and deserve. They may be left unsupervised, for example, or not given the assistance they need when bathing or moving from one room to another. When this neglect causes the individual to suffer harm, legal action may be taken.
In addition to this, nursing home neglect can be considered a form of abuse. Due to the horrific impact that neglect can have on individuals, nursing homes and healthcare professionals can be stripped of their licenses if neglect is discovered. Furthermore, neglect and elderly abuse is a crime, so criminal charges may be filed against the person or people responsible.
Do You Suspect Nursing Home Neglect?
In some cases, neglect or abuse is very easy to spot. If your relative or friend reports instances of abuse or neglect to you, you may be left in no doubt that something isn’t right. Similarly, you may see an instance of abuse or neglect taking place.
Of course, residents are often unable to voice their concerns, so it is important to be aware of potential signs of abuse. However, signs of elderly abuse or neglect can be subtle. If your loved one has unexplained bruises, exhibits a change in demeanor, has untreated bedsores, is unkempt or experiences sudden weight loss, these could be indicative of neglect.
If you suspect mistreatment is taking place, you will want to search for nursing home neglect lawyers near me. By seeking legal advice, you can determine how to deal with the situation and what steps you can take to resolve the situation.
Know Your Loved One’s Rights
Unless you have previous experience of elderly care, you may be unfamiliar with the rights your loved one has. The Nursing Home Resident’s Bill of Rights is designed to ensure residents receive an appropriate level of care and establishes the rights they have. These include:
- The right to choose to their own physician
- The right to take part in resident groups
- The right to be fully informed about their medical conditions
- The right to plan their own medical treatment
- The right to dignity, privacy and respect
Of course, nursing home residents have many more rights, many of which are listed in the Nursing Home Resident’s Bill of Rights. If you are unsure whether your loved one’s rights are being infringed, it is important to seek advice. A nursing home neglect attorney can provide you with the information you need to ensure your loved one is getting the care they deserve.