After carefully choosing an Oklahoma nursing home for your loved one, you expect that he or she will receive quality care at the facility. Unfortunately, there are a number of facilities that are understaffed or that have care workers who simply do not provide enough attention to each and every resident. Many nursing home residents require attention for important daily activities and may even need round-the-clock care.
Nursing home neglect can be as dangerous and harmful as abuse if it results in actual harm. Some residents, for example, require assistance to eat. If that patient is neglected, he or she may become malnourished or dehydrated. Many elderly residents are already in a fragile state. Not receiving enough nutrients to stay healthy can significantly affect them physically and emotionally.
Bedsores are another serious consequence of neglect. These are pressure ulcers that form on parts of the body such as the heels, buttocks and hips if they are pressed against a bed or wheelchair for too long. Bedsores often signify neglect because they are preventable through proper care. If nursing home workers reposition residents regularly, bedsores should not develop. If properly diagnosed and treated, bedsores should not develop into potentially fatal conditions.
Neglected residents often do not receive the medical attention they need. Care workers must monitor the medications taken by the patient. Missing pills or a surplus of medications could be a sign of neglect. Failing to diagnose a serious medical condition is a form of neglect as well. How often are residents at the facility seen by medical professionals? Are the care workers at the facility properly trained to notice serious medical conditions?
Industry standards require Oklahoma nursing homes to provide reasonable care to residents. Facilities must provide adequate food and drink, proper medical attention, and cleaning services to prevent infection. If a failure to provide reasonable care results in an injury, the family of the victim may file a law suit for neglect. If you are concerned that your loved one is being neglected, it may be in your best interest to express your concerns with the nursing home’s administrators and to contact an experienced Oklahoma nursing home lawyer to protect their legal rights.
