Nursing home negligence is a real problem that affects thousands of people every year. Did you know that gross neglect is responsible for around 14% of all complaints that were filed against nursing homes? Sadly, the numbers do not seem to be improving, and there are still very real dangers to the elderly in some nursing homes.
Some types of nursing home negligence that can take place include:
- Medical, where the elder’s needs are ignored. They may develop bedsores, not receive the appropriate medications or suffer from an overall lack of care.
- Hygiene, where personal hygiene support is not provided to the residents who can’t take care of themselves
- Basic needs, where there is a lack of providing for the basics, like food, water and a sanitary place to live
- Social, where the staff ignores the resident or prevents them from interacting with others
All of these kinds of neglect can be devastating to a nursing home resident and should not happen in a safe, supportive facility.
What should you do if you believe nursing home neglect is taking place?
If your loved one has reported neglect, or if you’ve seen it yourself, it’s important to reach out to someone who can help. Speak with the nursing home’s director and advocates for the elderly. Depending on the situation, you may want to call the police or hospital for emergency support.
Our website has more information on neglect and negligence. If your loved one has been hurt as a result of a nursing home’s poor care standards, they deserve a chance to receive justice and compensation.