The realization that a loved one has to go into a nursing home is a difficult one to manage. And, unfortunately, there are times when the people being entrusted with residents’ care don’t do what they’re supposed to do.
There are many things that can signal negligence by nursing home staff. Understanding what to look out for is critical for anyone who has a loved one in one of these facilities.
Frequent or serious falls
While it’s possible that nursing home residents will fall sometimes, frequent falls and those that result in serious injuries can be a sign of negligence. All residents should have a fall risk assessment when they move into the facility and periodically after. This helps the staff to learn how they can assist the residents.
Presence of bedsores
Bedsores are a sign that a resident is being left in bed without repositioning for long or that they aren’t being transferred properly. Prolonged pressure and shearing are two common causes of bedsores, which are ulcers that can go well below the surface of the skin. These pressure ulcers can lead to infections that can negatively impact a resident’s health and quality of life.
Malnutrition or dehydration
Malnutrition and dehydration are serious issues for nursing home residents. These can sometimes occur because of a lack of staff members monitoring input and output for them. They can also happen if a resident needs assistance with eating or drinking but they aren’t getting that help from the staff members. Dehydration and malnutrition can lead to major health problems that might end with hospitalization.
Nursing home negligence is a horrifying event that can lead to considerable harm to residents. Affected residents may need considerable medical care, which can be costly. They may opt to seek compensation for the financial damages they’re dealing with because of staff negligence. Working with a legal representative who can assist with this complex matter is beneficial because a resident can focus on healing with the representative moves their case forward.