Information about Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Medical Malpractice/Doctor Mistakes : Information about Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

You are probably here because you suspect that an elderly loved one like a granparent is being abused or neglected by the staff at a nursing home. We are here to help. With over 1.5 million elderly adults living in nursing homes throughout the United States, neglect and abusive behavior towards nursing home residents has become more prevalent because not all nursing homes are created equal. Some nursing homes are established simply as a money-making tool for owners and they maximize profits by hiring unqualified and incompetent staff, operating in flimsy facilities and failing to address the needs of their clients (i.e. your elderly loved ones).

Nursing home neglect and abuse can take many forms. Here are just a few examples:

Physical assault and/or sexual assault
Bedsores / Pressure ulcers
Infection
Overmedication
Involuntary physical restraint
Preventable injuries such as falls
Dehydration or malnutrition leading to dramatic weight loss
Failure to provide adequate medical care

Many family members who suspect abuse is occurring simply bite their tongue because they don’t want to cause problems for their elderly loved one. Do not make this mistake. If you suspect your loved one is being neglected or abused, speak to an attorney to discuss the situation.

If it turns out your loved one is the victim of abuse and/or neglect, a nursing home abuse claim can be pursued in order to obtain damages and to ensure that the negligent and illegal practices are ceased.

Documenting improper care at the nursing home is critical when bringing a claim. Nursing homes that accept federal money are subject to rules and regulations are by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) and are enforced by the state in which the facility is located. The following regulations are applicable to elder care neglect claims: