Signs Your Loved One's Nursing Home Is Being Neglectful

Last updated 11 months ago

As baby boomers age and people live longer, many people deal with having to move a loved one into a nursing home. With 1.5 million people living in nursing homes in 2011, there are inevitably cases of neglect and abuse. If you suspect that your loved one’s nursing home is being neglectful, you should contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your options. There are several categories of neglect to watch for:

Physical Neglect
It is unpleasant to think that nursing home staff would not treat your loved one as their own family, but neglect is a problem that is all too common in nursing homes. There are a number of signs, some of which are more obvious, that should raise a red flag:

Malnutrition
Dehydration
Unclean conditions in the facility
Disregard for personal hygiene
Frequent visits to doctors or hospitals
Strange and inconsistent explanations for injuries

Medical Neglect
Medical neglect may include a lack of care for existing medical problems. Signs of medical neglect may include:

Poor access to medical services
Unexplained changes in medications
Bed sores or pressure sores

Emotional Neglect
Emotional neglect and abuse may be more subtle than physical neglect. However, residents who are frequently left alone or are subject to emotional neglect through difficult interaction with staff may show some of the following signs:

Emotional upset or agitation
Desire to be isolated from others
Severe changes in personality in dealing with others
Unusual behavior (e.g. rocking or biting)
Listlessness or unresponsiveness

If you have noticed signs of neglect at your loved one’s nursing home, a personal injury attorney can help you protect your loved one’s rights. Fox and Fox Attorneys at Law has extensive experience in personal injury law, as well as family law and other civil matters. To start protecting the rights of your loved one today, call (610) 275-7990.

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