Sometimes abuse or neglect occurs in even the best facilities. Signs of abuse or neglect can be obvious – bedsores, open wounds, bruises, burns, fractures – but sometimes signs can be more subtle – withdrawal, depression or anxiety, dehydration or malnutrition, torn, stained or dirty clothing or bed linens.
Neglect means the failure of a facility to provide the required level of care. Common examples of neglect include:
- Failing to turn and reposition a patient who is unable to do so himself or herself, failing to provide appropriate pressure reduction surfaces such as mattresses or seat cushions and failing to appropriately examine a patient or respond when warning signs are present, all often resulting in bedsores;
- Failing to provide adequate nutrition or dehydration;
- Failing to prevent falls; or,
- Failing to provide medications or other necessary treatments ordered by a physician.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home or assisted living facility, you have the right to hold the facility accountable.
