Neglect — one of the most common forms of nursing home abuse

One of the more concerning issues in Illinois, as in the greater American society today, is the neglect of elderly patients in care facilities. The neglect of the elderly is considered to be one of the more prevalent forms of nursing home abuse. When a patient does not get the necessary standard of care, it constitutes neglect.

There are a number of signals that may point to the possibility to neglect of a patient, especially when a combination of these signals are evident. Warning signs may include lack of personal hygiene and unsanitary living conditions, as well as malnutrition and dehydration. One should also be concerned when it appears as if the elderly patient seems not to receive the needed assistance to move around enough or shows signs of injuries that seem inexplicable.

As in the case of other forms of abuse, victims of nursing home neglect often manifest their psychological trauma with anger, depression and withdrawal from those close to them. Anyone suspecting that a loved one is the victim of neglect should recognize that action may be needed. Fortunately, personal injury lawyers often work on a contingency basis, which means no initial costs for the client.

When an Illinois nursing home fails to provide the proper care, family or friends should consider reaching out to a personal injury lawyer for a consultation. Reluctance to act may lead to permanent damage, both psychological and physical, and an objective evaluation of the case can help one make a decision of the best way forward. Nursing home abuse and neglect is unacceptable and should be dealt with.      

Source: nextavenue.org, “How to Tell If a Nursing Home Is Neglecting a Loved One“, Sarah Blancard, Accessed on May 24, 2017