When we place a loved one in a nursing home, we naturally expect a high standard of care. After all, nursing home residents are generally vulnerable and are simply no longer able to care for their basic needs. Georgians who have loved ones in nursing homes trust that these facilities will provide residents with the care necessary to live comfortably during their elder years.
Unfortunately, there are some nursing homes in Georgia that do not provide residents with adequate care. In the worst of situations, they may engage in behaviors that harm residents. Therefore, it is important for those with loved ones in nursing homes to understand the signs of nursing home neglect, so they can take the steps necessary to address the issue.
Some red flags of nursing home neglect are as follows:
- Insufficient personal hygiene
- Unsanitary facilities
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Loss of mobility
- Injuries that cannot be explained
- Mental health issues
If you believe a loved one is the victim of nursing home neglect, it is important to take action. Reporting the neglect to the appropriate state agency may be necessary. In addition, sometimes it is necessary to pursue a legal claim against the facility. These types of claims can be very challenging, and most people are not prepared to handle them alone, especially when emotions run high. Fortunately, elder law attorneys may be able to explain one’s options in such situations, so an appropriate remedy can be reached. Sometimes a settlement can be reached, but in other cases it may be necessary to pursue litigation. It is important to protect our elderly loved ones who are subjected to neglect, in order to ensure their health, safety and well-being are not placed in jeopardy.
