The decision to place your loved one in a nursing home can be difficult. You’ve done your research, you found a home that feels like the right fit, and you place the care and safety of your loved one in the hands of strangers. Nursing homes can be staffed by wonderful people who provide excellent care to their residents. However, too frequently, nursing homes neglect residents and fail to provide adequate care.
Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
There are a number of warning signs you should look out for when it comes to how your loved one is being treated in a nursing home. Signs of neglect can include:
- Unexplained bruises or fractures—if your loved one has been injured and the nursing home has no explanation for the injuries, it is possible there has been abuse or neglect.
- Frequent falls—falls in nursing homes are common, but if your loved one is frequently falling, it could be a sign that the facility doesn’t have adequate fall protections in place or is allowing residents to mobilize on their own
- Bedsores and skin breakdown—bedsores are entirely preventable with proper care. Caretakers should turn bedbound residents every two hours to prevent sores.
- Social withdrawal—if your loved one seems withdrawn or even scared, it could be a sign that they are not getting proper treatment.
- Rapid weight loss—while weight loss does happen as we age, it could be a sign that your loved one is not getting the proper nutrition and hydration.
What to Do
If you suspect your loved one is being neglected in a nursing home, you may feel helpless. However, there are things you can do to empower yourself and your family. Address your concerns with the management of the home. They should be immediately responsive to your concerns and take steps to fix any issues. If the nursing home fails to take action, then you can report suspected abuse or neglect to the Florida Department of Children and Families. In addition, you can report the facility to the Agency for Healthcare Administration.
If your loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home, you should also consider consulting with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney who can help you pursue compensation for any injuries. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have over 30 years of experience helping personal injury victims. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.