What To Do When You Find Nursing Home Neglect Issues
March 24, 2009 by Chris Channing
Filed under Online Colleges
A legal case can result if you think you have experienced a nursing home neglect issue, or have had a family member do so. If you think you are within your bounds to call out a nursing home on any wrong doing, you should indeed do so to prevent them from harming others in the process of their practices.
There are laws being put into action among states each year that cracks down on how nursing homes can operate. Some states will even require that a nursing home subject their patients to an interview with a coroner to help determine the cause of death. If any indication of neglect is found, the coroner is then able to bring a case against them- but not all states have such good legislation.
Nothing should go overlooked in looking for nursing home neglect. Things such as bed sores, which are sometimes seen as common, are actually a sign of neglect in the majority of cases. Bed sores develop primarily in the disabled, who can’t move much and develop sores as a result. Nurses should constantly move the patient to promote circulation and prevent such things, as stated in their job requirements.
Something more dangerous is not feeding and giving water to patients enough. Some nursing homes aren’t bringing in enough money to pay for expenses, and decide to start cutting back on food services. If this is done, a patient can start exhibiting effects of malnutrition. Luckily, such a case can usually be caught early and treated before something serious results- although a legal case will be able to be presented by the patient.
Even something such as assault or physical abuse can happen to a loved one when in a nursing home. Nursing home officials should be able to monitor their employees at all times, ensuring they are not doing anything to harm patients. Even still, there are reported cases in which orderlies have been caught physically hurting patients, taunting them, or otherwise causing harm. Even one instance of this happening is grounds for action.
Even if a patient leaves the facility on his or her own free will and becomes injured, the nursing home may be charged with neglect. Some patients are not mentally sound, meaning they need extra care to ensure they may not hurt themselves or others without meaning to. Nursing homes take up full responsibility of this when signing on a patient, and will be liable if such an even occurs.
Final Thoughts
Nursing homes that aren’t up to par should be closed down immediately- so that no one else will have to experience what you or a family member has. Neglect can be a very powerful thing that can lead to serious complications- and even death. In such a case, you should report any suspicions immediately.