Neglect should never be tolerated in nursing homes. Contact our reputable law firm today to discuss your legal options.
As more and more individuals find that their loved ones require professional care in a nursing home facility, the national issue of nursing home abuse and neglect continues to rise. In fact, approximately 30% of all nursing homes in the United States have been cited for abuse or neglect, resulting in serious physical, emotional, financial or psychological harm to residents. Nursing home neglect in particular, which can be defined as passive or active neglect, is dangerous, as the warning signs of this type of abuse are not always easily recognized. With neglect in a nursing home facility, the caregiver fails to meet the physical, emotional and social needs of the older individual, and the difference between passive and active neglect lies in the intent of the caregiver, or nursing home staff member. If you have noticed signs of neglect concerning your loved one, contact our experienced attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center as soon as possible.
Active Neglect in Nursing Homes
In active neglect, the caregiver intentionally fails to meet his or her obligations involving the elder’s care. Although active neglect is more common in the home, it also occurs in nursing home facilities, perpetrated against a resident in an attempt to save money, as a result of inadequate staffing, or meant as a punishment for the resident’s actions. Examples of active neglect in nursing homes include:
- Failure to provide adequate nutrition
- Failure to provide proper medical care
- Failure to provide needed assistance with personal hygiene
- Failure to take precaution against falls or injuries
Passive Neglect in Nursing Homes
In passive neglect, the failure to provide adequate care is unintentional, and is often the result of caregiver overload or lack of information concerning appropriate caregiving strategies. Passive nursing home neglect is often attributed to a caregiver’s lack of skills, ignorance, or own failing health. For example, a nursing home staff member that is visually impaired may be unable to properly deliver insulin to a diabetic patient. Even if passive neglect is unintentional, the consequences can still be serious and may result in death, especially for those residents whose critical medical care is neglected.
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
Physical or emotional injuries caused by neglect are often more difficult to recognize than signs of physical abuse. These include verbal abuse, insufficient food and water, insufficient bathing or hygiene, and failure to properly assist residents who need help eating, walking, bathing, etc. Common warning signs of neglect in nursing home facilities include:
- Evidence that the resident’s personal care is lacking or neglected
- Bed sores
- Dehydration
- Signs of malnourishment
- Chronic health problems (physical and/or psychiatric)
- Urine or feces odor
- Weight loss
- Changes in personality or mood swings
Our Qualified Attorneys Can Help
Neglect is one of the most devastating forms of abuse affecting elders in nursing homes, and is a despicable act that should not be tolerated by anyone. If you or a loved one has been the victim of passive or active neglect, particularly in a nursing home facility, contact our knowledgeable attorneys today. You are not at fault for any abuse perpetrated against you, a friend, or family member by poorly trained, frustrated, negligent or overworked nursing home staff members. With the help of our Oklahoma City-based law firm, victims of nursing home neglect can feel confident that their legal rights are protected and can pursue the financial compensation they deserve.