Warning Signs of Nursing Home Neglect in Anniston

While neglect in a nursing home is a type of abuse, it differs slightly from what the law considers to be actual abuse. Nursing home abuse involves an intent to hurt or injure the elder while nursing home neglect is a breach, or failure, to care for the elder.

When referring to neglect, that failure to properly care for the elder could result in harm or injury to them. It is very important that family and loved ones watch for signs of nursing home abuse, as the elder may not be able to voice concern for the lack of care, or may even feel ashamed and embarrassed and choose not to tell anyone.

If you or someone you love suffered nursing home neglect, it is important that you speak to an Anniston nursing home abuse lawyer who could help your loved one claim compensation they may be entitled to. A knowledgeable attorney may be able to provide more insight about the warning signs of nursing home neglect in Anniston.

Four Types of Nursing Home Abuse

For loved ones to recognize the warning signs of nursing home neglect in Anniston, they must first understand the different types of neglect that can occur. In nursing homes, there are typically four different kinds of neglect.

• The first is emotional or social neglect: This type of neglect involves staff members continuously ignoring an elder, leaving them by themselves, or yelling at them.
• The second form of neglect is neglect of personal hygiene: Elders often need help with their laundry, bathing, brushing their teeth, and keeping their rooms clean and orderly. When they do not receive this care, it can be nursing home neglect.
• The third is neglect of basic needs: Nursing homes must provide for residents in a variety of ways. At the base of this care is ensuring they have food, water, and a safe environment. When they do not, this can also be nursing home neglect.

Finally, there is medical neglect. Elders often need help getting the right medication and if they suffer from cuts, diseases, or mobility issues, the nursing home staff should ensure they provide help. When they do not, the elder may have been subject to nursing home neglect.

Common Signs of Neglect

In some cases of nursing home neglect, there are no warning signs, which can make it even more difficult for loved ones to identify it when the neglect is happening. Some of the most common warning signs of nursing home neglect in Anniston are:

• Significant weight loss that happens somewhat suddenly
• Visible bedsores
• Possible injuries from falls
• Chapped lips or dry skin
• Sunken cheeks and eyes combined with weakness
• Other behavior changes
• Not interacting with the nursing home staff or other residents
• Unsuitable living conditions in the nursing home

It is important for family members to realize that some of these signs can be difficult to detect, particularly behavioral changes. This is especially true when family members live far away and do not have a chance to visit their loved one in the nursing home often.

If any signs of nursing home neglect are evident at any time, it is important that family members try to visit often, and document any signs of neglect they may observe.

Talk to an Anniston Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today

If you think your loved one is suffering from neglect at a nursing home, it is important that they get the help they need. A lawyer in Anniston may be able to help you and your family to remove the elder from the home faster and get the elder any compensation they may deserve to cover future medical bills, as well as compensation for pain and suffering. Contact an experienced attorney learn more about the warning signs of nursing home neglect in Anniston.