Choosing a nursing home for a loved one is a decision made with hope and trust. You expect them to receive attentive care, respectful treatment, and a safe environment — not see signs of neglect. Unfortunately, some nursing homes fail to meet these expectations.
Elder neglect is a common reality that can have serious consequences for vulnerable residents. Recognizing these signs of neglect early is critical to protect your loved one and hold the facility accountable. Contact a nursing home negligence attorney today for help.
Here’s what you should know in the meantime.
What Is Nursing Home Negligence?
Nursing home negligence occurs when a facility or its staff fail to provide adequate care, resulting in harm or a risk of harm to a resident. Unlike elder abuse, negligence typically involves carelessness, understaffing, or lack of training.
Neglect in a nursing home can fall into several categories:
- Basic needs neglect
- Medical neglect
- Emotional neglect
- Personal hygiene neglect
Examples of neglect include failing to provide appropriate nutrition, ignoring health problems, experiencing isolation, or being left in soiled clothing. Talk to a nursing home negligence attorney today for more information.
What Are the Signs of Neglect in a Nursing Home?
Spotting and preventing neglect in a nursing home isn’t always easy because some signs may appear subtle or be mistaken for normal aging. However, vigilance is essential if your loved one is unable or afraid to speak up. Here are the signs to watch for:
- Unexplained Weight Changes or Dehydration
- Poor Hygiene or Living Conditions
- Bedsores or Pressure Ulcers
- Unexplained Injuries
- Emotional Withdrawal or Mood Swings
- Frequent Infections or Illnesses
- Delayed or Denied Access
- Loss of Mobility
- Sudden Physical Decline
- Gut Instinct
If you feel like your loved one is being neglected, but don’t necessarily have hard evidence, contact a nursing home negligence attorney today to help you determine the facts.
Understanding Why Nursing Home Neglect Happens
Nursing home negligence is often systemic, although individual staff members may be held responsible. The root cause is usually deeper, often involving cost-cutting measures, inadequate training, or understaffing. Regardless of the reason, no excuse justifies placing a resident’s well-being at risk.
You don’t need to wait for an extreme injury or wrongful death to seek legal support from a nursing home negligence attorney. If you’ve documented or witnessed signs of neglect — or even if you just have suspicions — a nursing home negligence attorney can help you take the right steps.
When to Call for Help
Call a nursing home negligence attorney at Sullivan & Sullivan if:
- You’ve documented signs of neglect and haven’t received answers or improvement from the facility.
- The facility is stonewalling your questions or restricting access to your loved one.
- Your loved one has suffered an injury, serious illness, or decline that you suspect could have been prevented.
- You’re unsure how to report the facility or what steps to take next.
An experienced attorney will help investigate your concerns and collect evidence while working with medical experts to pursue justice on your behalf. Their efforts can result in financial compensation and may also send a powerful message that nursing home neglect will not go unchecked.
Takeaway
No one wants to believe their loved one is being mistreated or neglected, but silence only enables continued harm. Learn to recognize the signs of neglect and don’t wait to contact the nursing home negligence attorney for swift, informed action.
When care fails, accountability matters. Contact Sullivan & Sullivan today to schedule a consultation.
