Types Of Nursing Home Neglect

Sadly, many of the residents of nursing homes in the United States are victims of abuse and neglect. At the Law Office of Scott D. DeSalvo, we are a nursing home negligence attorney in Chicago and the surrounding area. We want to help if you suspect a loved one or friend is the victim of nursing home negligence.

Neglect vs Abuse

Abuse involves the active intent to harm another person, while neglect is the failure to provide an older person’s basic necessities, such as the denial of adequate shelter, food, clothing, hygiene and medical care.

As nursing home negligence attorneys in Chicago, we want you to be aware of the common signs of elder neglect.

• Poor personal hygiene. If a patient is not given enough help with basic needs such as bathing, brushing their teeth, doing laundry or any other form of hygienic activity, this is considered neglect of personal hygiene.
• Unsanitary living conditions. Under both state and federal regulations, nursing homes must provide residents with safe and clean living conditions. Failure to do so is a form of elder neglect.
• Malnutrition and dehydration. Whether from lack of adequate staffing or inadequate individual care, millions of nursing home residents suffer from malnutrition and dehydration.
• Lack of mobility. A good nursing home will make sure staff helps residents move around, exercise and remain as active as possible. Without routine movement, residents can also face other health issues, such as bedsores and infections.
• Unexplained injuries. Things like broken bones, bruises and head injuries can be signs of abuse or neglect. People who do not get the help they need may try to do things on their own, leading to injuries that may be life threatening. The CDC estimates about 1,800 individuals living in nursing homes die each year from fall-related injuries. Not all of these are the result of neglect, but many could be prevented through such things as more adequate staffing and training and the installation of more grab bars.
• Psychological issues. Neglect can cause not only physical issues but emotional ones as well. Residents can become afraid of caregivers. They may before angry or resentful, grow distant from friends and relatives and suffer from depression. These emotional issues should be taken seriously and addressed immediately.

At the Law Office of Scott D. DeSalvo, we are a leading nursing home negligence attorney in Chicago. Contact us to set up your free consultation and let us help you.