Nursing Home Neglect
Nursing Home Neglect in Philadelphia, PA
When you move your loved one into a nursing home, you expect that he or she will receive the highest quality of care form the staff at the facility. Unfortunately, nursing home neglect and abuse does occur throughout Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. Everyone who has a relative or a friend living in a nursing home should be aware of the danger signs and be prepared to act if your loved one is indicating that abuse or neglect have happened.
Common Causes of Neglect in Nursing Homes
The major cause of neglect in nursing homes has to do with the lack of properly trained staff. With a focus on profits instead, some facilities choose not to hire enough staff to care properly for the residents inside. These staffing shortages can lead to overworked and tired employees, ultimately contributing to a care breakdown.
If staff is lacking, nursing home neglect can occur in the form of failing to assist residents with hygiene needs, improper medications, failing to turn the residents on a regular basis and inappropriately providing for resident comfort and safety. Some of the most unfortunate types of nursing home abuse and neglect have to do with sexual assault and cases of theft or physical abuse. Although examples of abuse like this are quite rare, they are serious and you should be aware of signs of potential trouble.
If you suspect that a resident of a nursing home has been neglected or abused, you need to follow up. Making a surprise visit when the home is not expecting you is one way to accomplish this goal. If your loved one is scared to talk around staff members, this can also be a sign that he or she could be abused or being mistreated in the nursing home.
If you suspect that a resident of a nursing home has been neglected or abused, you need to follow up. Making a surprise visit when the home is not expecting you is one way to accomplish this goal. If your loved one is scared to talk around staff members, this can also be a sign that he or she could be abused or being mistreated in the nursing home.
Signs of Neglect and Abuse
There are numerous signs of neglect and abuse that you can keep an eye on in order to address the situation promptly. These include:
- Unexplained anxiety
- Weight loss
- Bed sores
- bruises
- Cuts
- Chemical or physical restraints
- Changes in mood
- Disorientation
- Soiled bed linens
If you believe that your loved one has been subject to nursing home abuse or neglect, communicate with a Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney as soon as possible.