Common Symptoms of Nursing Home Neglect
When we entrust our loved ones to the care of a nursing home, we expect quality care and a safe environment. However, that does not always happen. When nursing homes attempt to cut corners and put profits ahead of the people they serve, it creates an environment that is ripe for abuse and neglect. Signs of nursing home neglect may not be easy to spot. This is why it is critical that you visit your loved one often and keep your eyes open for any symptoms of neglect or abuse.
Some of the most common signs of neglect are: excessive or rapid weight loss, poor personal hygiene, uncombed or knotted hair, dirty clothing, urine or feces on bedding or clothing, bedsores, and a malnourished appearance. These are the obvious symptoms of neglect. Many serious cases of neglect also involve lack of supervision, scarcity of facility staff, and failure to follow doctor’s orders. For example, lack of supervision can result in a patient suffering a fall. There have also been cases where a doctor might order the patient to eat only semi-solid or liquid food. However, if the patient is not supervised at mealtime, he or she may eat solid food and choke on it. Such incidents have proved fatal for nursing home residents.
Neglect can occur at many different levels in Oklahoma nursing homes. It can happen because the facility is understaffed. Neglect can also occur because of poorly trained, underpaid nursing home staff. Regardless of the reason, it puts your loved one in danger. If you see signs of abuse or neglect, please promptly report it to the nursing home’s administrators.
If you do not see a change or if you experience retaliation, or if your loved one has been seriously injured as a result of such negligence, please contact an experienced Oklahoma City nursing home abuse lawyer who will fight for your rights and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. The knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at the Maples Law Firm have a successful track record of helping injured victims and their families obtain fair compensation for their damages and losses. Please contact us at (405) 705-5050 for a free and comprehensive consultation.