Neglect, abuse, and malpractice can occur in any nursing home, assisted living facility, hospice care facility, senior living community, or long term care facilities.
Nursing home residents injured by staff members may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, mental and emotional trauma, and other injuries.
COMMON TYPES OF NURSING HOME
ABUSE AND NEGLECT
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF NURSING
HOME ABUSE OR NEGLECT?
- Resident dehydration
- Unmet medical needs
- Lack of assistance as residents get up, move around or use the restroom
- Assistance is not given when getting up, moving around, or using the bathroom
- Inadequate time for socialization
- Unexplained bruises, cuts or welts
- Bed sores
- Broken or fractured bones
- Malnutrition or unexplained weight loss
- Frequent infections
- Withdrawal from social interactions or refusal to speak
- Emotional outbursts
- Dirty clothing or bed sheets
- Nurses or caregivers refusing to allow the patient to be alone with loved ones
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
NURSING HOME ABUSE AND NEGLECT?
The main difference between abuse and neglect in nursing homes is defined by the intent of the caregiver.
If a caregiver is intentionally harming a patient, that is nursing home abuse. Abuse often involves denying patient’s needs such as: food, water, and medical treatment. It can also include physical and financial harm.
Nursing home neglect is unintentional failures by the caregiver. Examples of neglect are: failing to follow the patients or resident’s care plan, ignoring calls for assistance, failing to maintain the patient’s hygiene, or otherwise failing to meet a social, physical, or emotional needs.
WHAT CAUSES NURSING HOME ABUSE?
Nursing home and hospice facilities should provide patients with the attention, care, and medical treatment they deserve. Unfortunately, malpractice may still occur. Causes include:
- Failure to hire and train qualified medical professionals
- Negligence of the duties promised to the residents and their families
- Failure to adequately staff the facility to handle the needs of its residents
- Attempts to cut corners on care and support in order to make more money
- Failure to properly screen potential employees and provide a safe living environment
Although it is horrifying to consider, too many facilities do not keep up with residents’ medical, emotional and personal needs. When this occurs, residents may suffer illness or unnecessary pain and suffering.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT NURSING
HOME ABUSE OR NEGLECT?
contact
The nursing home abuse lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. are here to help you with your nursing home or hospice facility malpractice claim. To discuss the details of your situation, contact us at 800-2-HABUSH (800-242-2874) today.