Nursing Home Neglect
Nursing homes can provide needed care and assistance to their residents but, unfortunately, they can also provide the opportunity for abuse or neglect of vulnerable individuals. Your loved one deserves professional care and a decent living environment. Being selective about the facility you choose can sometimes help avoid significant problems later, but not always. You should always be aware of the signs of abuse and neglect and be prepared to take action if you suspect either.
Certain problems that occur in a nursing facility demand action by the nursing home management and physician and, if not immediately resolved, require outside assistance.
Every nursing home is required to immediately inform the resident's guardian of any significant change in physical or mental condition, or any other meaningful problem. Family members should insist on meeting with the Director of Nursing or the Administrator. Family members should also insist on the involvement of the patient's doctor or the medical director of the facility in resolving these problems.
A discussion between the family and the staff should include what the problem is, what is being done to solve the problem, and how future problems will be prevented. If these attempts to resolve problems fail, you may wish to seek the help of an attorney experienced in nursing home cases. In situations involving serious injury or death of a resident, it is always advisable to consult with an attorney.
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