The Growing Issue of Nursing Home Neglect

Common Forms of Nursing Home Neglect

• Physical Neglect – Failing to provide adequate food, water, and hygiene.
• Medical Negligence – Ignoring health conditions, failing to administer medications, or delaying medical care.
• Emotional Abuse – Verbal threats, isolation, and humiliation can cause severe psychological harm.
• Financial Exploitation – Unauthorized transactions, stolen belongings, or fraudulent account use.
• Poor Facility Conditions – Unsanitary rooms, bedsores, and unsafe environments.
• Neglect of Personal Hygiene – Failing to bathe, dress, or groom residents properly.
• Inadequate Supervision – Allowing residents to wander off or be exposed to dangerous conditions.
• Understaffing Issues – Many facilities fail to hire enough caregivers, resulting in neglect.
• Improper Use of Restraints – Some staff may use excessive force to control residents.
• Sexual Abuse – Unfortunately, elderly individuals may be vulnerable to sexual assault.

Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

• Unexplained weight loss or dehydration
• Bedsores and untreated infections
• Frequent falls or unexplained bruises
• Fearfulness or withdrawal from social interactions
• Poor hygiene and dirty clothing
• Overmedication or sedation without medical necessity
• Delayed medical care for worsening conditions
• Unsanitary living conditions
• Sudden changes in financial accounts
• Malnutrition and signs of physical discomfort

Legal Actions Against Negligent Nursing Homes

• Personal Injury Lawsuits – Holding nursing homes accountable for neglect.
• Wrongful Death Claims – Seeking justice for families who lost loved ones due to negligence.
• Elder Abuse Lawsuits – Pursuing legal action against facilities that mistreat residents.
• Regulatory Complaints – Filing reports with state and federal agencies.
• Insurance Claims for Medical Expenses – Recovering financial compensation for treatment.
• Compensation for Pain and Suffering – Addressing the emotional toll of abuse.
• Facility Investigations – Legal action can prompt regulatory scrutiny and improvements.
• Holding Individual Staff Accountable – Ensuring negligent employees face justice.
• Securing Financial Restitution – Recovering stolen assets from financial exploitation.
• Advocating for Stronger Laws – Legal cases can push for policy changes to improve nursing home conditions.