Learn the Warning Signs of Nursing Home Neglect in Northeastern Pennsylvania
Learning to identify the warning signs of nursing home neglect can help keep your family members safe if they need to be transferred to a facility at some point. There are thousands of nursing homes across the country. While some may provide optimal care, may others have numerous cases of neglect and abuse. Regularly visiting your family member is vital as you can watch for signs that they are being mistreated. If you suspect your family member is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you need to contact a Northeastern Pennsylvania nursing home neglect attorney right away.
At the Needle Law Firm, we understand how terrifying this can be for you and your family. We have decades of combined experience representing Pennsylvania clients for nursing home neglect. If you have concerns about a loved one’s treatment, it’s best to discuss the situation with an experienced nursing home neglect attorney.
Common Types of Neglect in Pennsylvania Nursing Homes
There are several different types of nursing home neglect that we commonly see. One is medical neglect, which is when a nursing home fails to meet a resident’s health care needs. Examples include not administering necessary medications or reporting illnesses or infections to a nurse or doctor.
Another type of nursing home neglect is social or emotional neglect. Social interactions in a nursing home can help people improve their mental health. If they are not allowed to interact with people, it can be considered emotional neglect. Examples include failing to provide wheelchairs or walkers to those who have mobility issues or not moving someone with severe mobility or mental problems.
When a nursing home fails to meet a resident’s basic living needs, it can be considered neglect as well. Examples include not changing bedding after the person soils themselves, not bathing them properly, not cleaning their room, etc.
Look for Warning Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
Look for potential warning signs and symptoms that there is neglect going on. Some possible signs include:
- Bedsores or pressure sores that indicate the resident is not being moved regularly in bed;
- Dehydration or malnutrition suggesting they aren’t being fed or hydrated properly;
- Personal hygiene issues indicating they aren’t being cleaned and routinely bathed;
- Unexplained injuries such as skin tears, bruises, lacerations, or even broken bones.
Many residents who are victims of neglect may have noticeable personality changes or have trouble sleeping. They may become untrusting of others and develop anxiety or depression. Some victims may even develop suicidal thoughts.
Identifying nursing home neglect or abuse is not as straightforward as you might expect. You may need a witness who can testify, which is challenging. Also, many times, the residents suffering from neglect have mental impairments or cannot speak to explain what is going on.
Contact a Northeastern Pennsylvania Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer
Nursing home neglect should be taken seriously. Unsuspecting residents could be seriously harmed. You must report any suspected case right away and speak with our skilled Scranton nursing home neglect lawyers who can help. Contact Needle Law Firm today to schedule an initial consultation.
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