The national Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there are approximately 15,000 nursing homes in the country, providing over 1.5 million beds for residents. Approximately 70% of nursing homes are run by for-profit corporations.

Unfortunately, sometimes the need to increase profits gets in the way of providing top quality care to nursing home residents. Nursing homes often do not have adequate staffing, or hire staff members who are not properly trained for the important work of caring for nursing home residents. The result is that vulnerable residents are neglected by staff members, and residents do not get the essential medical care they need and deserve. If you suspect nursing home neglect of your loved one, contact us for a free case review today.

According to the World Health Organization the population of people over aged 60 will more than double over the coming decades and 1 in 6 will face some form of abuse through neglectful care of otherwise during their elder years. It is critical to understand what makes for a safe environment for elderly people to prevent residents from neglectful care from long term care facilities.

Understanding Nursing Home Neglect

It constitutes neglect in nursing homes when a nursing home fails to provide adequate care to its residents, resulting in physical harm like broken bones, emotional distress, or even death. Older adults can be subjected to elder abuse in any location, including those adults who are still in their own home, or those in assisted living facilities, but nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to elder abuse.

Neglect can be intentional or unintentional, but it is often a result of systemic issues such as inadequate training and staffing rather than malicious intent. Many of these issues are violation of state law in Massachusetts where the Department of Public Health regulates the care that must be provided for an older person.

Nursing home neglect can take many forms, including medical neglect, neglect of basic needs, and emotional neglect.

It is essential to recognize the signs of neglect and take action to prevent it.

Types of Neglect in Nursing Homes

Medical Neglect

Medical neglect is a type of medical malpractice, which occurs when a nursing home fails to provide proper medical care to its residents, including failure to administer medication, failure to monitor medical conditions, and failure to provide necessary medical treatment.

Medical neglect can result in serious health complications, including infections, bedsores, and mobility issues.

Nursing home staff members must be trained to recognize and respond to medical emergencies and make sure that residents receive all necessary medical care, including transfers to a hospital when necessary.

Neglect of Basic Needs

Neglect of basic needs occurs when a nursing home fails to provide essential care and services, including food, water, shelter, clothing, and hygiene.

Neglect of basic needs can result in physical injuries, emotional distress, and even death.

Nursing home employees must ensure that residents receive adequate care for an older adult’s basic needs, including nutrition, hydration, and personal hygiene.

Warning Signs of Neglect

Warning signs of neglect include unexplained weight loss, dehydration, malnutrition, falls, pressure ulcers and poor personal hygiene. Any unexplained injury can be a sign of physical abuse.

Residents who are neglected may exhibit withdrawn behavior, become isolated, or show signs of fear or anxiety. The injuries to the emotional well-being of the resident can be the result of emotional abuse.

Family members and caregivers must be vigilant in monitoring the care and well-being of nursing home residents to prevent physical and psychological abuse.

Causes of Neglect in Nursing Homes

Causes of neglect in nursing homes include understaffing, lack of proper training, and burnout among staff members.

Nursing homes with high staff turnover rates and inadequate resources are more likely to fail to provide proper care to their residents.

Poor management and inadequate policies and procedures can also contribute to neglect.

Nursing homes can also be negligent in their hiring and supervision of employees. If the nursing home fails to do an adequate background check on its employees, this can result in criminal activities including physical abuse, sexual abuse and financial crimes directed at nursing home residents.

Risk Factors for Nursing Home Residents

Risk factors for nursing home residents include age, disability, and cognitive impairment.

Residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease are particularly vulnerable to neglect and abuse.

Nursing home staff members must be trained to recognize and respond to the unique needs of vulnerable residents. The nursing home must also provide an adequate number of trained employees to meet the basic needs of residents at all times.

Reporting Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect especially if there have been severe injuries, report it to the nursing home administrator, state human services agency, or a local police department to make sure they are held legally responsible. The need for reporting suspicions of abuse is essential if the resident is in immediate danger.

You can also contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer for a free consultation regarding possible legal action. To prove nursing home neglect it is critical to get a lawyer on board to investigate the nursing home facilities involved to and determine what evidence exists of how they have endangered elderly patients.

Reporting abuse and neglect can help prevent further harm and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. You can report abuse to adult protective services in Massachusetts through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

Preventing Neglect in Nursing Homes

Preventing neglect in nursing homes and the mental abuse they can inflict requires a proactive approach, including regular monitoring of care and services by nursing home management.

The most effective way to prevent nursing home abuse of elderly residents is for the resident’s family members to stay involved in the care and decision-making process.

Nursing homes must prioritize the safety and well-being of residents, including providing adequate staffing, training, and resources for nursing home staff members.

Legal Help for Nursing Home Neglect Victims

If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home neglect, you may be eligible for financial compensation.

A skilled attorney can help you gather evidence, build a strong case, negotiate with the nursing home, and take legal action if necessary.

Filing a nursing home negligence lawsuit can help hold the nursing home accountable and prevent future instances of neglect.

Conclusion

Nursing home neglect is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for residents and their families.

It is essential to recognize the signs of nursing home neglect, report abuse and neglect, and take proactive steps to prevent it.

By working together, we can ensure that nursing home residents receive the care and respect they deserve.

What should I do if I need more help?

Contact our personal injury attorneys for a free consultation anytime. We are always ready to help!