Nursing home neglect happens when residents suffer from improper care that results in illness, physical harm, or even death. Nursing home abuse and neglect may be violent or less obvious, but the dangers are still present. As our Gurnee, IL nursing home neglect lawyer has seen in previous cases, senior residents can suffer greatly when their care is not adequate. Some staff members may be outright abusive and inflict harm that causes physical and mental anguish. If you suspect that mistreatment is happening to your loved one while living in a nursing home, we urge you to contact us at Therman Law Offices, LTD today.
Examples Of Neglect
Nursing home neglect is a type of abuse that is committed against residents who live in assisted living, nursing homes, or long-term care facilities. Negligence entails poor care or breaches the duty that caregivers have to attend to residents reasonably and attentively. Nursing home neglect may not be as aggressive as abuse, but it can still be harmful and have negative effects on the resident’s health. Victims of nursing home abuse are wise to take immediate action so that no further incidents occur. As our dedicated nursing home neglect attorney explains, examples of neglect include:
- Ignoring a resident’s illnesses or injuries (infections, bedsores, etc.)
- Failing to contact a doctor or nurse for medical attention when needed
- Leaving a resident with mobility challenges in their room for prolonged periods of time
- Neglecting to help a resident bath or change their clothes or bedding regularly
- Not providing enough food or water which leads to nutritional deficiencies
Lack Of Personal Hygiene
If you visit your loved one in a nursing home and notice that their hygiene is poor, this could be from caregivers failing to assist them with bathing and other hygienic tasks. Neglect of personal hygiene can include failing to wash laundry, allowing residents to go without baths, not providing dental care, and not changing diapers for those who wear diapers. Senior residents who are neglected may appear dirty and wear soiled clothes. Other signs of neglect are listed as follows:
- Psychological issues
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Sudden weight loss
- Unexplained bruises or injuries
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Lack of enough staffing
- Emotional outbursts
- Rocking or soothing behaviors
- Withdrawing from visitors
Therman Law Offices, LTD
Nobody deserves to be neglected while living out their remaining years. Those who reside in a nursing home or other care facility should be taken care of and have their needs met. If you believe that your loved one is being abused, neglected, or otherwise mistreated, then we suggest speaking with our IL nursing home neglect attorney as soon as possible. It is imperative that swift action is taken so that no further incidents of abuse or neglect occur. Family members of nursing home residents are encouraged to visit their loved one frequently, be involved in their medical care, and stay alert to signs of mistreatment. If you have any concerns about this, please reach out to our team at Therman Law Offices, LTD today.