Nursing Home Negligence

Caring for an elderly family member can be an extremely difficult for the average family. Most families simply do not have the necessary time or the expertise to help an elderly individual with his or her health needs. In these cases, many families turn to nursing home facilities to care for them. Taking a loved one to a nursing facility is not a decision that is made lightly; families have to trust that their elderly relatives will be well cared for by dependable, experienced health professionals. Unfortunately, sometimes nursing home residents are neglected or even abused, which can cause serious physical and emotional harm.

Types of Negligence

Some nursing homes are not the positive, well-kept places that they appear to be at first glance. Nursing staff may not give their elderly residents the attention that they need, or worse, may intentionally abuse them. Below is a list of some of the types of negligence or abuse that may occur in a retirement home:

• 
  Physical Abuse
  


• 
  Psychological Abuse
  


• 
  Sexual Abuse
  


• 
  Theft and Fraud
  


• 
  Malnutrition
  


• 
  Bed Sores
  

While it can be difficult to catch a staff member in the act of abuse or neglect, there are warning signs that a family can watch for. Any sudden personality changes in a loved one, particularly sudden withdrawal or depression, could be hints that something is not right at the home. Likewise, if an elderly resident shows repeated signs of physical abuse such as bruising, concealed scrapes, or bed sores, he or she may be a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect.

For More Information

If you have a loved one in a retirement home and suspect the staff of abuse or neglect, consider consulting with an attorney to discuss your legal options.