Millions of Americans reside in nursing home, and that number is expected to climb in the coming decades. A nursing home should be a place of safe haven and a place where loved ones can reside in the short or long-term. However, if a nursing home and their staff are not doing their jobs properly, it can quickly lead to instances of nursing home neglect. Nursing home neglect is different from nursing home abuse but can be just as deadly or harmful.
Nursing home neglect is defined as the failure of caregivers to provide adequate food, shelter, medical care, bathing and even the failure to provide adequate supervision. Since adults can be in nursing home facilities for a number of different ailments, the care that each person will need can vary. However, it is the responsibility of the caregiver to ensure that each patient is properly looked after. Failure to do this can result in neglect.
Malnutrition, bed sores and falls can indicate nursing home neglect. Instances of nursing home neglect can occur one time, or several times over a longer period of time. Either can result in injury or illness – instances of premature death have occurred.
The outcome of nursing home neglect can end in fatal consequences, but, hopefully, it never comes to that. If you suspect your loved one’s nursing home of nursing home neglect, it’s possible to step in and intervene. Legal action can be taken, but the health of the nursing home resident is paramount. Attend to their health needs and then seek reparation.
