If your parent is in an assisted living facility, you trust that the staff members will give him or her proper care. You may love the idea of an assisted living home because of the freedom it gives your mom or dad. It is a good compromise between a nursing home and a retirement home.
Unfortunately, some seniors suffer injuries at these care facilities. Without proper supervision and medical treatments, your parent may experience neglect or even a life-threatening injury. Here are some legal complications that may arise if something happens to your parent in a senior care facility.
Responsibilities Of The Facility
The staff at the assisted living facility have certain duties. While the specific duties may differ depending on the exact contract, some common obligations include the following:
- Providing assistance to residents with daily activities, such as eating, bathing, dressing, and going to the bathroom
- Giving meals to residents
- Helping residents clean and maintain their living quarters
- Supervising the medical needs of residents
- Keeping track of the medical appointments of residents
- Monitoring the health of residents
- Planning social events
If the senior care staff fails to meet these commitments and it results in harm to your parent, you may have a basis for a lawsuit.
Common Injuries And Illnesses
Some ways that your parent may sustain an injury in an assisted living home may include the following:
- Falls
- Bedsores
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Infections
- Fractures
- Head injuries
These conditions often occur due to accidents, abuse, or neglect.
Warning Signs
If you have suspicions that your parent is the victim of abuse or inadequate care, watch out for red flags such as withdrawal from family or friends, agitation, isolation, or sudden and unexplainable fear of being touched. These are all indications that something may be going wrong within the facility.
It may seem unimaginable that your mother or father may be suffering in an environment that is supposed to be caring and supportive. Still, it is essential to always be watchful for signs of harm.
