EDELSTEIN LAW: SPEAKING UP FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
At Edelstein Law, we understand the devastation that victims and families experience from nursing home neglect and abuse. We are determined to hold nursing homes accountable for their harmful actions and are dedicated to helping our clients recover compensation for their losses.
What is Nursing Home Neglect?
Nursing home neglect is when residents do not get proper care and, as a result, suffer physical or psychological damage. Although it is difficult to know precisely how many elders suffer from nursing home neglect, one study revealed that 40% of nursing home staff claimed to have committed psychological abuse in the previous year, and 10% admitted to committing physical abuse.
Non-physical types of abuse are less obvious and harder to uncover but nonetheless just as damaging. If you see signs of physical abuse or sudden personality changes in your elderly loved one, they may be victims of nursing home neglect.
Types of Nursing Home Neglect
Neglect of Basic Needs
Nursing homes are required by law to provide adequate care to their residents, including sufficient meals, safety, and environmental cleanliness. Neglect in this form can come from lack of food and water, trip and fall hazards, and failure to keep areas clean and sterile. A person suffering from this kind of neglect could become malnourished, dehydrated, extremely ill, or injured.
Medical Neglect
Nursing home staff are supposed to be trained to provide basic medical care, administer proper medication dosages, or call for emergency help if needed. If a nursing home is understaffed or if its staff is poorly trained, there can be serious consequences, including death. This includes:
Failure to administer medications or proper dosages
Failure to recognize or report illness or infections
Failure to treat injuries
Not assisting patients with mobility issues
Neglect of Personal Hygiene
When nursing home staff neglect their residents' hygiene, life-threatening infections, and illnesses can occur. This includes not bathing their patients regularly, brushing their teeth, washing their clothes, or properly treating wounds. When this happens, the elderly are at risk of various oral diseases, infections, blindness, and more.
Non-Physical Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
Signs of non-physical abuse are less obvious and more difficult to determine. However, if your elderly loved one starts showing changes in their personality, they may be experiencing neglect. Look for the following changes as possible signs of nursing home neglect:
Increased agitation
Withdrawn or non-communicative, especially around staff
Not wanting to be touched
Aggressive behaviors such as biting
Rocking or other self-soothing behaviors
Frequent illness
Pursuing a Nursing Home Neglect Case: Contact Our Compassionate, Experienced Philadelphia and New Jersey Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys
Nursing home neglect is complex and difficult to prove, so you need the knowledge and skills of an experienced attorney. The nursing home neglect lawyers at Edelstein Law, LLP, have the resources and decades of comprehensive experience to pursue these cases fully. Our thorough investigative skills and devotion to advocating for the rights of victims of nursing home neglect get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you are concerned that your loved one may be a victim of nursing home neglect, we encourage you to contact the Philadelphia nursing home neglect lawyers at Edelstein Law. We are deeply committed to helping individuals who have suffered the traumatic effects of nursing home neglect. Our compassion, commitment, and legal skills will allow justice to be served. We represent clients throughout all counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To discuss your potential legal options, call us today at 215-893-9311 or 856-809-3150 to schedule an appointment with a qualified Philadelphia or New Jersey nursing home neglect lawyer, or contact us online.