How To Spot Signs Of Florida Nursing Home Negligence
It is horrific to think that an assisted living center and its employees could engage in intentional abuse toward residents, but not as many people consider the implications of nursing home negligence. There is a distinct difference between the two concepts, though both elder abuse and neglect are unlawful. The National Institute on Aging defines neglect as a situation where the facility does not respond to the resident’s physical, emotional, and social needs. Abuse is causing bodily harm by hitting, slapping, or other violent contact, and it may include restraining the elderly person against his or her will.
From this description, you can see that it can be difficult to spot the signs of neglect because they are typically subtler. Still, it is critical to recognize them, both due to the danger to the resident and for purposes of legal action. Discuss your options with a Tampa medical malpractice lawyer if you have concerns and read on for some important information.
Signs of Neglect in Nursing Homes
Residents at assisted living facilities often suffer from memory disorders or other medical conditions that makes it difficult for them to speak for themselves. As a result, loved ones are in the position to spot the signs of mistreatment. The various types of neglect tend to manifest in three ways:
- Physical and Emotional Implications: The resident’s appearance, demeanor, and physical characteristics may indicate negligence by the nursing home. Concerns include sudden weight loss, unexplained injuries, bedsores, and being dirty or unkempt. Not providing medication or allowing access to eyeglasses, a wheelchair, dentures, or other medical aids could also indicate neglect.
- Private Room Conditions: Staff are required to ensure residents’ private quarters are clean, safe, and secure. Signs of negligence could include soiled linens, dirt and dust in living spaces, and unsanitary conditions in the bathroom.
- Facility and Environment: Residents may spend considerable time in eating spaces, lounges, outdoors, and other common areas. It may be cause for concern if you observe unlocked doors and gates, grime, and a lack of security. Unsanitary conditions in kitchens and understaffing may also constitute nursing home negligence.
Holding Negligent Facilities Accountable
When an assisted living facility falls below the standard of care established by law, residents have legal remedies for nursing home neglect. Again, it is often loved ones who will pursue options on behalf of the elderly person. Through a claim for nursing home negligence, it is possible to recover for:
- Medical costs to treat the injuries and ailments that result from neglect;
- Reimbursement for amounts paid to the assisted living center;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress; and,
- Many other losses.
Discuss Options with Our Florida Nursing Home Negligence Attorneys
If you have concerns about treatment of a resident at a Hillsborough County assisted living facility, please contact Greco & Wozniak P.A. right away. You can call 813.223.7849 or go online to set up a free consultation with a skilled lawyer. After we hear the details, we can advise you on taking legal action for nursing home negligence.
