The role of nursing homes is to provide care and support for people who cannot live independently. Their services include helping people with physical disabilities, mental health problems, and those who are elderly.
Nursing homes can also provide temporary respite care for people who need a break from caring for themselves or their families. However, there are instances where nursing institutions result in negligence for no reason. But on what grounds can people sue them for negligence?
1. Medical Neglect
One of the most common reasons people sue nursing homes is for medical neglect. It can happen when residents do not receive the necessary medical care. For example, if a nursing home does not provide enough staff to care for all residents, this can lead to neglect.
Other examples of medical neglect include not providing enough food or water, not providing medications, or not providing proper hygiene products. As a result, patients may miss their scheduled drugs and risk worsening their current conditions.
2. Living Needs Neglect
Another common reason people sue nursing homes is for living needs neglect. Nursing homes fail to provide adequate care for residents’ basic needs, such as food, water, and hygiene, leading to severe health problems and even death.
Nursing home neglect, especially living needs neglect, is a severe problem and can have devastating consequences. Although it seems simple, it may lead to worse problems. If you think you may have a case, it’s essential to understand the law and your options.
3. Hygiene Neglect
Hygiene neglect is another form of nursing homes failing to properly care for their residents’ hygiene. Complaints from families usually arise when they notice their loved ones suffering from health complications caused by having terrible hygiene.
One common form of hygiene neglect is when the nursing home staff fails to clean the residents properly. Another common form of hygiene neglect is when the team fails to properly bathe the residents, becoming dirty, developing body odors, and other health issues.
4. Social Neglect
Social neglect occurs when the nursing home staff fails to provide the residents with an opportunity to interact with others. Although living at a nursing home may mean that the resident cannot socialize as much as they used to, nursing home staff should still provide opportunities to interact with other people.
Social neglect can occur when the staff fails to provide the residents with activities they can do together. It can also happen when the team fails to arrange for the residents to have visitors. Social neglect can affect patients, their confidence, and their social skills. They may find it troubling to socialize with others later.
5. Emotional Neglect
Emotional neglect occurs when the nursing home staff does not respond to the residents’ companionship and emotional support needs. As a result, it can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression.
If you have a loved one in a nursing home, you must recognize the signs of emotional neglect. If you notice these changes, speak to the nursing home staff. However, remember that emotional neglect is difficult to track and may not show signs at first.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect are long-standing problems in the United States. Nursing home residents are often vulnerable and cannot always speak up for themselves. Do not hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer if you notice any signs of nursing home abuse or neglect.
Mendes, Reins, & Wilander is a legal group in Tampa, Florida, assisting in litigating nursing home abuses. We aim to provide an assisted living lawyer for clients needing help in suing nursing homes for alleged negligence and other potential nursing home concerns. Inquire on our website or book an appointment with us today.