As a nursing home attorney Memphis has trusted for more than thirty years, I can tell you that placing a loved one in a nursing home is a difficult decision for any family. And those complex emotions can worsen with the possibility of nursing home neglect.

Nursing home neglect occurs when nursing home residents do not get the care they need and suffer physical or mental health problems as a result. It’s hard to believe elderly residents are neglected and mistreated, but in the United States it’s an all-too-common issue. And with the coronavirus restricting outside visitation from family members and friends, nursing home neglect is harder to spot than ever. 

I don’t want to see this happen to any family. So today, I’ll walk you through how to spot nursing home neglect in any facility where your loved one resides.

Three signs of nursing home neglect

If you’re worried your loved one is experiencing neglect, here are some signs you should investigate.

1. Poor personal hygiene

Nurses and other staff are expected to aid with basic personal hygiene. But when a nursing home is under staffed, or staff members are not properly trained in healthcare, residents and their personal hygiene can suffer. Many residents need help getting dressed, brushing their teeth, clipping their nails, bathing, combing their hair and more. When a person is neglected, they are left to do these things on their own and often they are not capable of doing so. If you spot any signs of a resident’s declining personal hygiene, it may be a sign of neglect.

2. Physical issues due to lack of nutrition

Malnutrition and dehydration affect millions of nursing homes residents across the country. This sign of neglect can be caused by a wide range of issues, from a lack of individualized care to a high nurse and aide turnover. Medical problems that may not be initially apparent, like depression or difficulty swallowing, can also be a contributing factor.

3. Loss of mobility 

Many nursing home residents have mobility challenges. Proper nursing home care will include exercise to make sure residents remain as active as they can. If someone is neglected, they may be left in bed for long stretches of time. Left without a proper movement routine, residents may be at risk for losing their mobility altogether. They might also develop other problems like infections and bedsores.

Signs of neglect are different from case to case, and one indicator alone doesn’t always point to a problem. But if something seems wrong about your loved one’s behavior or condition, look into it rather than ignore it. This is where an experienced nursing home attorney Memphis trusts can be invaluable. Even if it turns out to be nothing, you’ll be happy you made sure. 

Speak with an experienced nursing home attorney Memphis trusts for FREE.

If you believe a nursing home is not providing the level of care needed, contact us online or  call us at (901) 327-2100 for a FREE consultation to see if you have a case. Working with us doesn’t obligate you to act upon your suspicions, but it will allow you to make an informed decision about your options.

Nothing matters more than your loved one’s health. We have the experience and the compassion to help you navigate your options and fight for you and your family, and it would be our privilege to help.