What to Learn and Understand about Nursing Home Negligence
Nursing home abuse is heinous yet all too common in the United States. Nursing home neglect is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as failing to address a senior’s basic needs. Food, water, shelter, clothing, hygiene, and basic medical care are all included.
According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, neglect is involved in 15% of elder abuse allegations in nursing homes. As such, employees who deliberately disrespect citizens must be held accountable. Even unintentional nursing home negligence can be dangerous. Nursing facility ineptitude may result in life-threatening prescription errors among the elderly.
Read on to learn and understand more about nursing home negligence.
The Common Causes of Nursing Home Negligence
Patient care may suffer as a result of staff shortages. Staff that is anxious or overworked may not provide adequate care to keep people healthy. Caregivers experience stress as a result of inadequate training. Many assisted living, and long-term care institutions need to undertake background checks, resulting in unqualified employees.
Understaffed Nursing Team
If there is insufficient staff to care for residents, the quality of the institution may suffer. Employees that are under pressure make more mistakes. For years, many nursing homes have been understaffed, and the issue has recently worsened. According to the Nurse Journal, the United States will require around 1 million nurses to replace those who retire by 2022. Low compensation and stress, according to CBS News, may cause long-term nursing care providers to leave their jobs.
Poor Hiring Methods
Staff at registered nursing homes may not be thoroughly screened. Individuals who are abused or addicted to drugs are more prone to harm others. Larger nursing schools usually recruit badly despite higher restrictions.
Inadequate Employee Training
In the absence of proper training, new employees may commit nursing home abuse, such as failing to administer the correct prescriptions to patients.
The Different Types of Nursing Home Neglect
Nursing facilities that are found guilty of negligence pose risks in a variety of ways. The following are common reasons for resident abuse and neglect:
Duty Abandonment
A nursing home staff commits duty abandonment or medical negligence when they abandon a patient.
Duty abandonment usually involves Inadequate medical treatment for people with diabetes or dementia, bedsores in the elderly with little mobility, and failure to report any indicators of illness or infection to a doctor or nurse
Disregard for Basic Human Needs
Nursing home personnel are negligent if they do not provide patients with meals, beverages, medications, and socialization.
Ignoring Hygiene
Employees who disrespect residents’ cleanliness may have a negative impact on their appearance and health. Sanitation in nursing homes can be fatal.
Emotional Neglect
Residents in nursing homes can always make new friends. Social connections can help the elderly’s mental health. Restricting the ability of nursing home patients to interact may constitute emotional abuse.
The Signs of Nursing Home Negligence
Bedsores, behavioral issues, broken limbs, inadequate cleanliness, bruising, untreated medical illnesses, burns, dehydration, starvation, and insomnia are all signs of nursing home abuse.
Despite these warning indicators, recognizing neglect without support may be challenging. Elders suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may find it challenging to convey their story.
Nursing Home Negligence: The Issue of Accountability
Nursing personnel and nursing facilities might be held liable for their actions. Long-term care institutions only employ and train the greatest caregivers. There must be enough staff to care for all residents. Finally, facility owners are accountable for maintaining cleanliness and functionality. Nursing home employees are highly cautious since even slight mistakes can be lethal to a frail old person. Victims and their families have the right to sue nursing homes that fail to protect their inhabitants.
Conclusion
Abuse in nursing homes can be fatal. Long-term care ombudsmen can assist you in reporting neglect. A local ombudsman is ready to accept reports of nursing home mistreatment.
The Adult Protective Services (APS), local authorities, and social workers can all help you protect a family member or senior citizen who is being abused or neglected. Additionally, a nursing home negligence attorney can assist you in recovering medical bills and other expenses.
Are you looking for top lawyers in Phoenix? Bossie, Reilly, & Oh is a professional legal team that can handle cases related to senior neglect and abuse. With us, your loved ones are safe and protected. Contact us today!