Nursing Home Negligence

Elder Abuse and Neglect – An Overlooked Patient Safety Issue.

The definition and understanding of elder abuse and neglect in nursing homes can vary in different jurisdictions as well as among health care staff, family members and residents themselves.

Elder abuse can occur in one of three ways:

1) Abuse from direct-care staff: staff-to-resident;

2) Abuse from relatives: relatives with abusive behavior visiting nursing homes residents; and

3) Abuse from co-residents: resident-to-resident aggression.

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For a majority of nursing home residents, nursing home facilities provide safe and reliable surroundings, yet far too often nursing homes do not afford the protective atmosphere for which they are intended. Elder abuse is rampant in nursing homes throughout the United States, and, despite actions at the federal and state levels, personal stories of neglect, assault, and substandard care are too frequent to count.

Common Signs of Nursing Elder Abuse may include:

1. Unexplained bruising, black eyes or other injuries

2. Falls, especially if they are frequent

3. The development of bedsores

4. Rapid weight loss

5. Lack of interest in activities the patient used to enjoy

6. A change in demeanor such as aggression or unusual depression

7. Emotional agitation or extreme withdrawal

8. Unusual behavior changes such as sucking, biting, or rocking

9. Fear of being touched

10. Signs of overmedication like drowsiness, dry and cracked lips, slumping in wheelchairs, drooling, unresponsive behavior, vacant stares and slurred speech

11. Caretakers unable to give a reasonable explanation of a patient’s condition or injury

12. Signs of neglect, like poor personal hygiene, urine smell, unsanitary conditions

13. Missing personal items, especially items of value

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If you or a loved one believe that you have suffered nursing home abuse, call us today, and we can help you navigate the legal process and help determine if you have a claim.

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