c: Common Signs and What to Do Next
It can be heartbreaking to feel forced to place a beloved family member in a Baltimore area nursing home because their health has deteriorated to a certain extent, yet you’re unable to step in and provide the care that they need. What can be even more heartbreaking, as well as infuriating, is finding out that your precious loved one is being neglected at the nursing home they’ve been placed at. If you suspect that your loved one is being neglected, here are some surefire signs of negligence, as well as advice on how to proceed.
What is nursing home neglect?
Nursing home neglect is failing to adequately meet all your loved ones needs. For example, if the nursing home does not have an adequate number of staff and they don’t give your loved one dinner until 10 p.m., this is neglect because your family member likely starved for hours waiting to be fed. Another example of neglect is if your family member has sustained a severe rash because their underpants haven’t been changed regularly and your loved one was forced to sit in urine and feces. While these two scenarios wouldn’t likely end in the potential death of your loved one, other types of neglect could.
How does abuse differ from neglect?
Another common problem that occurs in nursing homes is abuse, which is in the same category as neglect, but it isn’t the same. Abuse would entail a staff member verbally, mentally or physically abusing your loved one. A good example of abuse is that staff may handle your loved one roughly while assisting with hygiene, which results in bruises. Another example is if a nursing home staff calls your loved one derogatory names or outright slaps your loved one in the face.
Keeping an eye out for possible neglect and abuse
No one wants their loved one to sustain abuse or neglect, and sometimes signs are subtle, so you need to be on the lookout for possible signs. It is the nursing home’s responsibility to ensure that your loved one’s primary needs are met, and anything less is unacceptable. If your loved one appears to have lost weight, has bruises throughout their body, seems unusually depressed or has been complaining about the staff at the nursing home, you need to investigate to find out what’s going on.
It’s a good idea to visit your loved one as often as possible, and if you’re unable to, then you should ensure that other family members do. The more often family members visit a loved one in a nursing home, the less likely the staff are to neglect or abuse a resident. However, staff could still be neglectful or abusive, so be sure to remain observant at all times.
What should you do if you suspect nursing home neglect?
If you suspect that your loved one is being neglected or abused at their nursing home, you need to immediately meet with the person in charge of running the nursing home. If your concerns are not immediately and appropriately addressed, then your next call should be to a Baltimore elder abuse lawyer. The Law Offices of Terri D. Mason are experienced Maryland elderly abuse lawyers, and they can provide you with advice, representation and support. This MD elder abuse lawyer has an immense amount of experience fighting for the rights of vulnerable nursing home residents who have been neglected, abused and taken advantage of. These attorneys will not allow the nursing home staff to get away with mistreating your loved one.
So, if you have a loved one in a nursing home and you suspect that your loved one is being either neglected, abused, or both, you need to contact a Baltimore elder abuse attorney right away. Maryland elderly abuse lawyers are experienced with handling cases like yours, and they can ensure that your loved one is no longer abused or neglected. Depending on the severity of the abuse and/or neglect as well as the specifics, your Maryland elder abuse lawyers may have the ability to assist you and your family with being awarded compensation for wrongdoing. It’s best not to proceed to court without a competent and experienced MD senior abuse attorney, because an attorney can increase your chances of receiving the outcome that you expect.