Common Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
Nursing home abuse and neglect are serious problems in Macon nursing homes and throughout the state of Georgia. While we want to be able to trust that a facility will provide a proper level of care to our elderly loved ones, a wide range of issues at a facility can result in injuries due to abuse or neglect. In some cases, employees of a facility can perpetrate intentional acts of physical and sexual and emotional abuse, but even more commonly, older adult residents at nursing homes suffer harm due to neglect or negligence that is unintentional. Given that there are many different forms of nursing home neglect, it can be difficult to know whether an injury is a sign of neglect.
Our Macon nursing home negligence attorneys can tell you more about common signs of nursing home neglect, which are always a reason to seek assistance.
Broken Bones
Fractures, or broken bones, are a common sign of nursing home neglect or negligence that often result from a resident being unattended. While broken bones can be a sign of intentional physical abuse, they also occur frequently in falls when an elderly resident does not have proper assistance with activities of daily living.
Malnutrition or Dehydration
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), malnutrition or dehydration are common indicators that a nursing home resident is not being properly cared for. In some cases, these conditions result from intentional deprivation, but they can also occur when a facility is understaffed and a patient is not receiving the care they need.
Cuts, Scrapes, and Abrasions
Cuts, scrapes, and abrasions commonly result from physical abuse or sexual abuse, as well as from injuries that occur due to passive neglect.
Bruises or Contusions
Similar to cuts and scrapes, bruises or contusions may result from physical abuse or sexual abuse, as well as from falls that occur because of passive neglect.
Bedsores
Bedsores are among the most common signs that a nursing home patient is not receiving adequate care. These injuries can be very serious, and they can even be deadly when they are severe.
Unsanitary Conditions or Hygiene Concerns
Any time an elderly person’s living conditions appear unsanitary, or when it appears that they have poor hygiene, there is cause for concern. These signs may result from intentional or willful deprivation by a nursing home staff member, but they can also result from passive neglect when a facility is understaffed or poorly staffed.
Contact Our Macon Nursing Home Negligence Lawyers Today
If an older loved one was injured at a nursing home, you should discuss the injuries with an advocate who can help. Do not hesitate to get in touch with an experienced Macon nursing home negligence lawyer at the Law Offices of Buzzell, Welsh & Hill as soon as possible. We can talk with you today to learn more about your elderly loved one’s injuries and to assess the case with an eye toward filing a claim against the facility. You should be able to expect that your loved ones are safe at a nursing home, and it is important to hold a negligent facility accountable for any harm they cause. Contact us today for assistance with your case.
Source:
ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-elder-abuse
