Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

 Posted on May 17, 2024 in Nursing Home Neglect

When your aging parents can no longer live independently, and your home is not a suitable option for them, nursing homes can be a great solution. Residents get to socialize with other people in a similar stage in life, and there are activities specially geared for them. Loving adult children spend a lot of time and effort researching a nursing home where their parents can live in comfort and dignity.

Unfortunately, nursing home residents are vulnerable to neglect. Due to their advanced age, they need to depend on others for things like getting in and out of bed and eating. If they are not very verbal, they may not be able to ask for help, and once they have gone unnoticed, they also can not complain so it does not happen again. Others might have dementia or other cognitive issues and an orderly wishing to avoid repercussions can claim the resident is simply misremembering what happened. It can be awful wondering whether your parents are being subjected to neglect in their new home. This article will review some tell-tale signs of nursing home neglect. If this has raised any red flags for you, speak with an experienced Mt. Prospect, IL nursing home neglect attorney to go over your options.

Medication Mistakes

If you notice that your parents are taking too much or too little of their prescriptions, the wrong medication, or no medications at all when they need some, this can be a sign of nursing home neglect. The staff at the nursing home should have comprehensive lists explaining which residents are given which medications, along with notes about any allergies or special instructions that might be relevant. The management of the nursing needs to make sure there are clear practices in place surrounding the distribution of medications, and that these practices are being followed by the staff.

Bed Sores

Bed sores generally appear when someone does not change position for too long. Some nursing home residents are less mobile and cannot get out of their beds on their own. If your parents have developed bed sores, it might be an indication of neglect, as too much time has passed since anyone has come to help them shift their weight around.

Dehydration or Malnutrition

This is another area where nursing home residents depend on the staff to get what they need. Even if they are not verbal and not asking for food or water, the staff needs to monitor their nutrition and ensure that they are receiving proper nourishment and enough water so as not to dehydrate. If your parents seem dehydrated, it might be a sign of nursing home neglect.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Illinois Nursing Home Neglect Attorney

If you suspect your parent is the victim of nursing home neglect, let a DuPage County, IL personal injury lawyer review your case and recommend a path forward. At Grauer & Kriegel, LLC, we fight for the rights of all citizens, even those who cannot speak up for themselves. Call us at 847-240-9010 to schedule a free consultation.