Nursing homes are supposed to be safe places for elderly and disabled people to get the medical care they need. Adult children and other loved ones should be able to rest easy at night, knowing the nursing home is taking care of the patient better than they could at home. Unfortunately, sometimes there are problems at nursing homes and people who are unable to advocate for themselves get hurt.
Neglect
Neglect is one of the most common nursing home problems. This happens when staff don’t do what they need to in order to keep their patient comfortable. Neglected patients might lie in the same position for so long they get bed sores. Immobile patients might not get changed as often as necessary, and they get preventable infections. Sometimes this neglect goes on for quite a while before anyone notices. Patients who cannot speak may not be able to let their family members know about the care they aren’t receiving. It’s important for family members to visit often and let the management team know if they suspect neglect. In severe cases or when nothing changes after the initial report, it might be necessary to get a Nursing Home Negligence Attorney in Gonzales LA involved as well.
Abuse
Some nursing homes are just not safe. When the management team doesn’t invest in professional staff or supervise the people caring for the patients, people who can’t defend themselves may get hurt. Family members should always look for signs of abuse when they visit and try to engage the staff to ensure they are friendly and helpful. Patients should not have unexplained bruises. If family members ask about an injury, the staff should be able to look at their documentation and tell them exactly what happened.
Nursing home abuse and neglect should never happen. Families turn to nursing homes because they are unable to care for their loved ones on their own. A Nursing Home Negligence Attorney in Gonzales LA could help a family member who suspects their loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home. Visit website to learn more or to get in touch with an attorney right away.
