Item: Katz Personal Injury Lawyers
Rating: 5
Author: Michael G.

Signs and Symptoms of Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing home abuse, or elder abuse, occurs when someone intentionally harms an elderly patient. Nursing home neglect occurs when someone intentionally withholds care or refuses to provide basic necessities. Nursing home neglect can take many sinister forms, from personal hygiene neglect to medical neglect to emotional neglect. And just as there are many forms of neglect in nursing homes, there many different indicators it is occurring. The best way to determine if your loved one has been the victim of nursing home neglect is to become aware of its signs and symptoms.

Identifying Nursing Home Neglect

In order to recognize the signs and symptoms of nursing home neglect, it is important to know the different types of neglect taking place in nursing homes. Victims of personal hygiene neglect may not receive the help they need with general cleanliness. Basic needs neglect occurs when a nursing home resident is not provided with adequate food and/or water. If a resident doesn’t receive appropriate treatment for a new or existing condition, it is considered medical neglect. Emotional neglect occurs when a resident is left alone or subjected to unfriendly or dismissive interactions with caregivers or other residents.

Nursing home neglect can result in both physical and mental injuries. Some are obvious, but most are subtle. Specific signs and symptoms of nursing home neglect include:

Malnourishment, malnutrition, and dehydration
Over- or under-medication
Injuries from falls
Infections
Bed sores/Pressure sores
Untreated cuts
Decayed teeth or lack of dentures/false teeth
Rapid weight loss
Poor personal hygiene
Depression
Withdrawal from people and activities
Generally unsanitary conditions
Environmental hazards, such as poor lighting, slippery floors, unsafe equipment, or unsafe furniture

The best way to identify nursing home neglect is through frequent unannounced visits to your loved one’s care facility. During these visits, pay close attention to your loved one’s physical and emotional condition, checking for any signs or symptoms of mistreatment. Take the time to talk to your loved one, listening for any indications of neglect. Remember, elder neglect can occur anywhere where your elderly relative is living and being cared for by another. This includes, not only nursing homes, but can also occur in their own home, in assisted living facilities, or community living facilities.

Frequent visits to the nursing home will not only give you the opportunity to check on your loved one, but will also allow you to familiarize yourself with the staff and management at the facility. This information will be invaluable if you suspect neglect because you will already have knowledge of the people charged with your loved one’s care.

Contact KWF about Nursing Home Neglect

If you fear your loved one may be the victim of nursing home neglect in an Atlanta area care facility, please contact the legal team at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers immediately. During your free initial consultation, we can discuss the signs and symptoms you have noticed, as well as your options for protecting your loved one. All discussions with our nursing home neglect attorneys are completely confidential. Protect your loved one today by calling (404) 460-0101.

★★★★★

I was in a head-on collision last year that put me in a wheelchair with a fractured femur. I needed an attorney and my cousin recommended this firm because he had used Briant Mildenhall for his accident. I was glad I called Briant because he always did what he said he would do and kept me informed. We settled with the insurance company and I'm happy with the result. If someone I know needs an attorney, I will tell them to call Briant because he will get the job done. Michael G.

After a head–on collision I had extremely serious injuries to my back and neck, and some internal injuries. I was airlifted to the hospital and started a huge amount of medical expenses accumulating. I hired a lawyer recommended by a friend but I was not satisfied. My cousin told me about this firm so I talked to Briant Mildenhall about handling the case. I was at ease from the get–go. Briant kept me informed all the way through, was always reassuring and did everything he said he would do. He helped us get the money we needed to get the treatment we needed. Briant was fantastic! Ronda W. (Car Accident)

After my car accident, I was looking for an attorney and came across the name Katz Personal Injury Lawyers. My intuition told me to call. I called in and Briant Mildenhall talked to me. He was very clear and honest about my options. As the case went forward, Briant and the staff at the law office always answered my questions right away. I was very confident in Briant's legal ability. He kept me informed every step of the way. I would recommend Mr. Mildenhall and the firm to anyone who needs an attorney. Antonio J. (Car Accident)

I am 100% satisfied. I called Rob the day after the accident. Everything he said that would happen did, every step of the way. He went beyond what we needed him to do. I would definitely use him again and recommend him to anyone who needs a lawyer. Steve H.

Robert Katz isn't your average personal injury lawyer. He has specialized knowledge and experience that the others don't. Timothy W. (Trucking Accident)

Submit a Law Firm Client Review