Nearly two million Americans are living in long-term health care facilities. Like other businesses, there are good ones and bad ones. If you suspect someone you know is in a negligent nursing home or healthcare facility, here’s some things to look for:
Signs of a Negligent Nursing Home
- High staff turnover
- Frequent changes in staff can indicate poor management, low morale, and inconsistent care for residents.
- No water pitcher or glass in room
- Lack of access to water suggests neglect of basic hydration needs, putting residents at risk of dehydration and other health issues.
- Patient remains in the same position each time you come to see them
- If a patient is never moved, it may signal that staff are failing to provide necessary repositioning to prevent bedsores and muscle deterioration.
- Developing pressure and skin sores
- The appearance of pressure sores shows a serious lack of attention to patient mobility and hygiene.
- Falling
- Repeated falls often indicate unsafe conditions or inadequate supervision and support.
- Unclean living environment
- Dirty rooms, bathrooms, or common areas reflect poor facility standards and create health risks for residents.
- Oxygen runs out or canella is constantly misaligned
- Improper oxygen management endangers patients who rely on respiratory support for their health and safety.
- Facility equipment is not clean and in good repair
- Broken or dirty equipment can lead to infections, injuries, and a lower quality of care.
- Deteriorating muscle mass, personal hygiene, or appearance
- Visible physical decline may point to neglect in providing basic care, exercise, and grooming assistance.
- Unusual or consistent and persistent patient complaints
- Ongoing complaints from residents can be a red flag for chronic issues like mistreatment, neglect, or unsafe conditions.
- Lack of clean clothing and bedding
- Failing to regularly provide clean clothes and bedding exposes patients to discomfort and health hazards.
- Failure to provide common reports and updates
- Withholding or delaying updates about a patient’s health and care progress often signals disorganization or intentional cover-up of problems.
- Failure to perform physical therapy
- Skipping scheduled physical therapy deprives patients of vital rehabilitation and mobility support needed for their recovery.
- Non-performance of agreed procedures, goals, or benchmarks
- Not following through on a patient’s care plan shows negligence and a disregard for their prescribed treatment needs.
- Unexplained marks and bruises
- Injuries without clear explanation could point to physical abuse, rough handling, or dangerous conditions within the facility.
Signs of Emotional and Psychological Abuse in Care Facilities
- Unwarranted isolation or failure to mainstream patient with the population
- Keeping a patient isolated from others without cause can lead to loneliness, depression, and emotional decline.
- Patient declines involvement with activities, counselors, and facility events
- A sudden loss of interest in social activities may signal emotional abuse, depression, or mistreatment.
- Medication is being withheld
- Withholding necessary medication can cause serious physical and emotional harm, often used as a method of control.
- Behavioral changes such as detachment or abandonment of favorite interests
- Unexplained changes in behavior or loss of passion for hobbies could indicate emotional trauma or neglect.
- Confusion, mood swings, sleep disruption
- Frequent confusion, mood instability, and changes in sleep patterns can be signs of psychological abuse or emotional distress.
- Sudden fixation on trivial details
- Obsessing over small or irrelevant matters may reflect anxiety, stress, or emotional mistreatment.
- Financial pressure
- Unusual requests for money or changes in financial behavior could point to exploitation or coercion.
What to Do If You Suspect Neglect or Abuse
When you have reasonable suspicion your loved one, friend, or colleague is in a neglectful situation, you will be confused. “If I confront this with the facility, will my loved one face retribution when I’m not there? What groups or authorities should I report this to? Where can I find help? What kind of true proof do I have to have?
Don’t guess. Don’t take chances. Don’t wait. Contact The Paul Powell Law Firm. We have answers, experience, and conviction to give voice and pursuit to the purpose that all people are treated with respect and humanity. That extends to our promise to clients that we NEVER take more than you when your case settles. We put that promise in writing. More Lawyer. Less Fee.