It is important to know how to watch for nursing home abuse and neglect in loved ones. It is also important to be familiar with the legal protections available to victims of nursing home abuse and their families when a loved one has been harmed in a nursing home.
Negligent care of a loved one is likely the worst fear family members can have after entrusting their loved one to the care of a nursing home facility. It is important for loved ones to know what to look for and what the signs of nursing home abuse are. Signs can include weight loss, poor hygiene, bedsores, bruises and other injuries, increased use of medications, use of restraints and behavioral changes.
Family members who have loved ones who have suffered nursing home abuse, as well as victims of nursing home abuse themselves, may have legal protections, remedies and resources available to help them when they have been harmed in a nursing home setting by nursing home staff. The standard to determine if a nursing home has been negligent when providing care is if the care the resident received was provided in a professional, safe and healthy manner.
If the nursing home has failed to adhere to the standard of care, and the resident is harmed as a result, it may end up liable to the victims and their family members depending on the circumstances. Nursing homes are expected to provide a safe environment for victims and their families who otherwise may be in danger of suffering injuries or death so being familiar with legal safeguards that protect them when harmed is essential.