It is a sad case when a senior must spend their golden years in a long-term care facility. It is made even worse when they become subject to nursing home neglect. Sadly many cases of nursing home neglect go unnoticed, unreported and unresolved. When this situation happens, sometimes it isn’t until after their death that we find out our loved ones have suffered this abuse. If you have a loved one in a care facility or are considering it, know the signs of neglect and what your rights are to keep them safe.
Many times health issues can be blamed for injuries or illnesses actually caused by neglect. Bed sores, skin lesions and ulcers can go unnoticed for long periods of time or are blamed on other conditions commonly seen in seniors. Illnesses caused by unsanitary living conditions may also be blamed on old age or end-of-life weakness. Falls, failing to administer medical attention or defective equipment are serious issues of neglect. Don’t let these things go unnoticed.
When a loved one moves into a nursing home or long-term care facility, we assume they will be provided for. After all, that is why they are there. Whether neglect is noticed while they are still living or once they have passed, the fact that they have suffered is heartbreaking. Simply removing them from the facility may be enough to stop their suffering but might not be enough to stop the suffering of others. A trusted attorney skilled in the area of nursing home neglect can make the difference between stopping neglect for one and stopping the neglect for many.
