People place a lot of trust in nursing homes. We expect these facilities to provide our elderly loved ones with the dedicated support and medical assistance that they need. Sadly, not all nursing homes meet these expectations.
Every year, countless elderly people suffer abuse and negligence in the very places where they go to receive care. As tragic as this is, you can avoid inadvertently placing your elderly family members in a subpar facility by looking out for the following nursing home red flags.
Common Nursing Home Red Flags
When touring a nursing home or visiting a facility where your loved one lives, always keep an eye out for any of the following red flags for abuse or neglect:
- Understaffed facilities: Nursing homes with high turnover rates or insufficient staff members may struggle to provide the necessary care for residents. A lack of personnel attending to the needs of residents is a sign that the facility may be neglecting its residents.
- Hygiene and maintenance concerns: The overall cleanliness and maintenance of a nursing home speak volumes about its commitment to resident well-being. Dirty or poorly maintained facilities, unpleasant odors, or broken fixtures suggest a lack of attention to safety and comfort, indicating potential problems with adherence to guidelines.
- Unexplained physical and mental fluctuations: Unexplained bruises, injuries, or a sudden decline in the overall well-being of your loved one could be indicators of neglect or abuse. If your family member is becoming unusually disheveled or if their personal hygiene needs are not being adequately addressed, it may be a sign that the facility is not following essential guidelines.
- Indifference to complaints: Effective communication between the facility and family members is essential. If complaints go unaddressed or are met with indifference, it raises questions about the facility’s commitment to adhering to guidelines.
What to Do If You Notice Red Flags at Your Loved One’s Nursing Home
If you notice any of the above red flags at your loved one’s nursing home, it’s important to speak up. First, you should speak to your loved one in private, especially if you suspect targeted abuse. For instance, if you notice that your family member has new bruises, ask to speak with them alone to determine what caused their injuries.
Hopefully, during your private conversation, your loved one lets you know there is no cause for concern. However, if they do claim that they are being abused, take action immediately. Remove them from the facility as quickly as possible. If you believe they are in imminent danger, reach out to the police.
After removing your family member from the facility, you should reach out to a Colorado nursing home abuse lawyer, like those at McDivitt Law. These legal professionals will help you file a nursing home abuse lawsuit against the facility, which can discourage future abuse and provide you with the funds needed to help your family member recover.
Call McDivitt Law for Help with a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit
If you believe your loved one has suffered due to nursing home negligence, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to provide the support and guidance you need. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you seek justice for your loved one.
