Signs You Need a Nursing Home Neglect Attorney

Even if you merely suspect that something is not right with an elderly loved one, consider contacting a nursing home neglect attorney. Because the signs are not always obvious, many people struggle with the decision to take legal action. Even suspicion is worth talking over with a lawyer. He or she will be able to guide you to the right decision and help you figure out if you have a case. As you visit a loved one, look for signs that they are not being taken care of properly.

Falls

As a person gets older, the chance of falling tends to increase. For many elderly individuals, a fall results in more than just a few scrapes or bruises. Instead, if left on the floor for an extended amount of time, the trauma of the injury as well as the emotional trauma can take their toll. If a loved one has fallen, it may be time to talk to a nursing home neglect attorney to find out if there is anything that can be done. Listen to your loved one describe what happened and how long it took for someone to come and care for the problem. Facilities should be offering the proper care and observation for patients who have limited mobility.

Bedsores

It may not be unusual for a resident to spend a majority of his or her time in bed. However, if a loved one has started to get bedsores, it is time to talk to a nursing home neglect attorney. Bedsores are often caused by pressure on a certain part of the body for an extended amount of time. It may be several hours or in severe cases, it could be a few days. Because residents should be cleaned regularly if they are unable to handle the task on their own, someone should notice any bedsores before they get out of hand. In severe cases, bedsores can become infected and cause a series of different physical ailments.

Dehydration or Malnutrition

Not being provided with the right amount of nourishment can border on abuse. If a loved one seems to be dropping considerable weight without any medical explanation or you notice that he or she is not getting enough water, it is important to bring this to the attention of a nursing home neglect attorney. The lawyer will help you determine whether or not this is happening as a result of incompetent care of if this is a physical or medical issue that needs to be addressed.

In any of these situations, be sure to take note of anything your loved one is trying to tell you. Even with patients suffering from dementia, it is important to listen carefully and attempt to figure out if there is cause for concern. Once you feel like you need assistance, contact a local nursing home neglect attorney for more information.