Personal Injury | Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
Charleston, WV and Columbus, OH

Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

Protecting the rights of West Virginia and Ohio seniors

Nursing homes have a responsibility to provide for the needs of residents. When those needs are neglected, residents can suffer serious - sometimes fatal - health consequences. That's why it's important to recognize the signs of neglect. When seniors suffer harm due to neglect, the nursing home abuse lawyers at Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC fights for their rights.

Neglect occurs when a nursing home fails to provide the necessary care and services that a resident needs to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being. It often is the product of understaffing by nursing home owners and operators.

There are many different forms of neglect, from neglect of a nursing home resident's hygiene, medical and dietary needs to neglect of a facility, allowing hazards to exist such as broken rails, slippery floors or unsanitary living conditions.

Understand these key red flags

If something seems wrong with your loved one, don't ignore or dismiss those concerns. Look for specific signs, such as:

  • A dirty or unhygienic appearance
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Unexplained illnesses
  • Infections
  • Unexplained and/or repetitive injuries from falls or other accidents

Bedsores occur when staff let a resident remain in one position for too long, which eventually causes a painful wound. The skin breaks down as the circulation slows to any area of the body subjected to pressure such as against the buttocks or other areas where bone is close to the skin. If not treated aggressively these wounds can deepen and become infected.

An older person can also become dehydrated quite quickly due to neglect. Experienced caregivers know they must ensure that people in their charge take in plenty of fluids each day. Symptoms of dehydration include dry skin, low blood pressure, cracked lips and mental confusion.

Another sign to watch for is malnutrition. When a resident who suffers from dementia, or an inability to eat on his own, it is vital that appropriate steps are taken to feed or assist the resident to eat. Malnutrition causes severe health issues, low blood sugar and weakness that can lead to serious illnesses or fall accidents.

If your loved one falls and breaks a bone, that too could be a result of neglect. A nursing home or assisted living facility must have sufficient staff properly trained in controlling and moving patients and an effective plan to assist and safeguard residents from accidents and injuries.

Our attorneys can help you hold negligent nursing homes responsible

Don't let nursing homes get away with neglecting your loved one. If you are concerned about possible neglect, contact us for a free consultation. One of our attorneys will listen to your concerns and go over your options.

Charleston, WV

Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC
10 Hale St Suite 501
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 720-1000

Columbus, OH

Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC
20 E Broad St Suite 1000
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 587-8423