If you have a loved one in an assisted living facility, you expect them to be appropriately cared for. Unfortunately, nursing home neglect does happen. When facilities try to cut corners, for instance by not hiring sufficient staff, elderly residents are the ones to suffer. Find out ways to identify these signs and how an attorney can help you get justice for your loved one.

Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing home neglect is characterized by substandard care that results in harm to the patient. This could include inadequately addressing medical concerns, failing to offer sufficient food and water, or not providing personal hygiene assistance. Social neglect, like ignoring the person, also counts.

Red flags of a poorly kept facility range from broken steps and railings—increasing the risk of a fall—to irregularly washed linens. Signs of nursing home neglect are often more subtle than this, though, evidenced only by a resident’s physical or emotional state. They may be malnourished, have bed sores, experience sudden weight loss, be dehydrated, fall regularly, or have a decline in physical hygiene. Your loved one may also become withdrawn and fail to sustain a friendly interaction with other residents or caregivers.

How to Address Nursing Home Neglect 

Spending time with your loved one at their nursing facility is a large part of catching signs of neglect. When you visit, look for the above symptoms. If you notice a problem like a broken railing, alert a staff member. How long does it take them to fix the issue? 

If you suspect nursing home neglect is occurring, talk to an attorney. They can advise you on how to start building a case, for instance by documenting a safety hazard with photos. With their guidance, you may be able to claim damages from the facility and use these funds to give your loved one a happier, healthier life. 

Don’t delay if you think nursing home neglect is happening. Let the attorneys of the Law Office of Hawley Holman look into the case. Located in Texarkana, TX, this law firm has been helping families throughout East Texas and Southwest Arkansas for over 30 years. Get a full breakdown of their practice areas online. To talk to an attorney, schedule an appointment by calling (903) 792-4513.