Nursing homes play a crucial role in ensuring proper care and assistance for elderly people who are unable to look after themselves. These facilities offer round-the-clock care, medical support, and a comfortable living environment for senior citizens. However, not all nursing homes function in the same way, and some may fail to provide adequate care to their residents. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the three most common complaints about nursing homes and how an attorney can help you if a family member has been abused.
Neglect:
One of the most common complaints about nursing homes is the neglect of residents. Neglect occurs when the staff fails to attend to the basic needs of residents such as bathing, feeding, and providing proper medication. It can also arise when the facility is understaffed leading to residents not receiving proper attention when needed. Neglect can lead to serious health problems such as malnutrition, infections, bedsores, and falls. In some cases, it can also lead to death.
Abuse:
Abuse is another common complaint about nursing homes. Elder abuse can take many forms such as physical, emotional, sexual, or financial. Physical abuse can lead to injuries such as bruises, broken bones, and even death. Emotional abuse involves actions that cause psychological distress such as verbal harassment or intimidation. Sexual abuse can happen when a resident is forced to engage in sexual activity against their will. Financial abuse is when someone intentionally misuses a resident’s funds, property or assets.
Poor Living Conditions:
Poor living conditions are also a significant concern raised in complaints about nursing homes. These conditions involve living in unclean or inadequate spaces, such as dirty bathrooms or rooms with mold. Residents may also not have access to proper hygiene products, leading to increased risks of infections. Furthermore, the lack of proper equipment such as bed rails or grab bars can lead to falls resulting in injuries.
If you suspect that your loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect in a nursing home, it’s vital to take action immediately. An experienced attorney can help by evaluating the circumstances surrounding the situation and advising you on the best course of action. At Menkes Law Firm, we specialize in nursing home abuse cases and have helped several clients receive compensation for damages caused by nursing home negligence. If you or your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, reach out to us today for a free consultation.