Seegmiller Johnson Attorneys > Practice Areas > Nursing Home Negligence > Signs of Nursing Home Negligence

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse & Negligence

Nursing home abuse and neglect can come in many different forms.  While it is unfortunate that nursing home abuse and neglect even occurs, it is important that you watch for signs and be aware of the treatment being provided.

Nursing home abuse and neglect is not just limited to physical abuse.  It can also include emotional abuse such as yelling at a resident or bullying them.  Some of the more frequent signs of nursing home negligence and abuse include:

• Weight Loss – This may be a sign of nursing home neglect because your loved one may not be receiving the necessary type or amount of food.
• Inattentive Staff – If you notice that the staff is ignoring problems or requests, it can be a sign of nursing home neglect.
• Poor Personal Hygiene – If, for example, baths aren't being provided on a regular basis, this can show that the nursing home has been neglecting care for its residents.
• Unsanitary Facility – The nursing home facility must be clean and well maintained.  Letting trash build up, having dirty restrooms, having a dirty kitchen area – all of these can be signs that the nursing home is guilty of negligence.
• Bedsores – Bed-ridden people need to be moved so that prolonged pressure to skin does not cause bedsores. Bedsores are fairly common in nursing homes, but in some cases, they may be signs of nursing home negligence.
• Bruises – If your loved one is suffering from unexplained or frequent bruising, it could be an indication that the nursing home staff is mistreating them. This would be considered physical abuse.
• Falling – Proper nursing home care should help prevent residents from falling and getting injuries. If you see any nursing home residents falling, or hear reports of a loved one who fell, it may be a sign of nursing home negligence.
• Restraints – Restraints used in nursing homes can be physical like placing a resident in a wheelchair in front of a wall, or chemical with excessive drugging.  Restraining residents is all too common, and can be a sign of nursing home negligence.
• Being Non-Communicative or Withdrawn – If your loved one seems distant and unresponsive, it may be a sign of emotional nursing home negligence.  They may be getting yelled at by nursing home staff and have become afraid to speak up.
• Strange Behavioral Changes – If your loved one adopts strange or unusual behaviors like biting or rocking in place, it can be a sign of emotional nursing home negligence.
• Vague Explanations from Staff – If the nursing home staff only provide vague or uninformed reasons when you present your concerns regarding possible neglect on their part, they may be trying to cover up exactly that.

Nursing home negligence is a very serious problem that should be stopped as soon as possible.  If you notice any of these, or other signs that could be a form of nursing home negligence, contact an experienced nursing home negligence lawyer immediately.  Your loved one's health and life may be at stake.

Contact the nursing home negligence lawyers at Seegmiller Johnson to schedule your free initial consultation today.  They will work with you and your loved one to stop the nursing home abuse that is occurring on a contingent fee basis.