Is Ignoring Patient Calls a Form of Neglect in Nursing Homes?
As we age, living independently becomes more challenging, and some elderly individuals require specialized care that they can only receive in nursing homes. However, nursing homes have a significant responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their residents.
Neglecting a resident’s needs, including not responding to their calls promptly, can lead to serious consequences. In this article, we will explore when not responding to a patient’s call in a timely manner is considered nursing home neglect.
What Is Nursing Home Neglect?
Nursing home neglect is a form of elder abuse that occurs when a resident’s basic needs are unmet. This can include neglecting physical, emotional, or medical needs and not providing a safe and comfortable living environment. Neglect can take many forms, such as failing to provide food or water, not administering medication, or ignoring calls for assistance.
When Is Not Responding to a Patient’s Call Promptly Considered Nursing Home Neglect?
One of the most alarming forms of nursing home neglect is when staff members fail to respond promptly to a patient’s call for help. When a resident is in distress, ignored calls for help can lead to serious injury or even death. In general, nursing homes must respond to a patient’s call for assistance within a reasonable time, usually within a few minutes.
If a nursing home resident falls or experiences another medical emergency and staff members do not respond to their call for help promptly, this can be considered neglect. Additionally, if a resident requires assistance with activities of daily living, such as getting out of bed, going to the bathroom, or bathing, and staff members do not respond to their calls for help, this can also be considered neglect.
What Are the Consequences of Not Responding to a Patient’s Call on Time?
Not responding to a patient’s call for help in a timely manner can have serious consequences. For example, if a resident falls and no one responds to their call for help, they may suffer from broken bones, head injuries, or other serious medical conditions. Additionally, if a resident requires assistance with activities of daily living and staff members do not respond to their calls, they may suffer from infections, pressure sores, or other medical complications.
In extreme cases, neglecting a resident’s needs can lead to death. For example, if a resident requires medication and staff members fail to administer it, they may suffer from a life-threatening medical condition.
What Are the Legal Consequences of Nursing Home Neglect?
If a nursing home neglects a resident’s needs, they may be held liable for any damages that result. This can include compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. Additionally, nursing homes may face fines or have their licenses revoked if they neglect their residents.
If you suspect your loved one is being neglected in a nursing home, it is important to take action immediately. Contacting an experienced nursing home neglect attorney can help protect your loved one’s rights and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Protecting Your Loved Ones from Nursing Home Neglect
Nursing home neglect is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for residents and their families. Not responding to a patient’s call for help promptly is just one form of neglect that can have serious consequences. If you suspect your loved one is being neglected in a nursing home, it is important to contact an experienced attorney immediately.
If you suspect your loved one has been neglected in a nursing home, contact our experienced nursing home abuse lawyers at Bossie, Reilly, & Oh to schedule a free consultation. We can help you protect your loved one’s rights and hold the responsible parties accountable. It is our mission to hold nursing homes, hospitals, group homes, and assisted living facilities accountable for the abuse and neglect of elders and vulnerable adults. Our firm has litigated hundreds of elder abuse and neglect cases and recovered many six- and seven-figure settlements and verdicts for our clients. Get in touch with us today and let’s talk.