Albuquerque Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Common Forms of Neglect in Nursing Homes

Abuse is not the only form of potential harm at nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Neglect in nursing homes refers to the failure of caregivers or staff to meet the needs of residents.

Several common forms of neglect in nursing homes include:

• Basic needs neglect: This involves a failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, and personal hygiene for residents. Such inaction can manifest as malnutrition, dehydration, poor personal hygiene, inadequate clothing, or unsafe living conditions.
• Medical neglect: Medical neglect occurs when residents do not receive the necessary medical care, including medication management, timely administration of treatments, or access to healthcare professionals. It can lead to untreated or worsening medical conditions, infections, and other preventable health complications.
• Emotional or social neglect: Emotional neglect involves ignoring or isolating residents, failing to provide companionship or emotional support, or not addressing their social and emotional well-being. This form of neglect can result in feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety among residents.
• Personal hygiene neglect: This type of neglect involves a failure to assist residents with personal grooming, bathing, oral care, or maintaining a clean and safe living environment. Poor personal hygiene can lead to skin infections, sores, and other health issues.
• Supervision neglect: Lack of proper supervision can result in accidents, falls, and injuries among residents. Negligence in monitoring residents' movements, particularly those with mobility issues or cognitive impairments, can lead to preventable accidents and harm.

Any of these forms of neglect must be reported to the appropriate authorities or take necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the individuals involved. At Harvey & Foote, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and seeking justice for victims of nursing home neglect.

Common Signs of Neglect

Nursing home neglect can manifest in various ways, and common signs include:

• Physical Signs:
  • Unexplained injuries such as bruises, cuts, or fractures.
  • Bedsores (pressure ulcers) indicating prolonged immobility or lack of repositioning.
  • Poor hygiene, including unwashed hair, dirty clothes, or unclean living conditions.
  • Sudden weight loss or signs of malnutrition or dehydration.
• Emotional and Psychological Signs:
  • Withdrawn behavior or unusual changes in mood.
  • Fearfulness or agitation, particularly around certain staff members or in specific areas of the facility.
  • Symptoms of depression or anxiety.
  • Resident isolation or lack of interaction with others.
• Medical Neglect:
  • Failure to administer prescribed medication or improper medication management.
  • Delay or denial of necessary medical treatment.
  • Ignoring residents’ medical complaints or symptoms.
  • Lack of attention to chronic health conditions or worsening health status.
• Environmental Signs:
  • Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions, such as unclean bathrooms, soiled bedding, or inadequate heating or cooling.
  • Hazards like slippery floors, broken furniture, or poorly maintained facilities.
  • Lack of accessibility for residents with mobility issues, such as missing handrails or wheelchair ramps.
• Neglect of Basic Needs:
  • Inadequate nutrition or hydration, including missed meals or insufficient water intake.
  • Lack of assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, toileting, or eating.
  • Ignoring residents’ requests for assistance or help alarms going unanswered.
  • Poor supervision, leading to accidents or injuries.
• Social and Personal Neglect:
  • Lack of social activities or engagement opportunities.
  • Limited access to recreational facilities or programs.
  • Ignoring residents’ personal preferences or autonomy.
  • Disregard for residents’ rights or dignity.
• Financial Exploitation:
  • Unauthorized use of residents’ funds or property.
  • Overcharging for services or fraudulent billing practices.
  • Coercion or manipulation to obtain money or assets.

Common Causes of Neglect

Nursing home neglect can occur due to a variety of factors, both systemic and individual. Understanding these causes can help in preventing and addressing neglect.

Some common causes include:

• Understaffing: One of the primary causes of neglect is insufficient staffing levels in nursing homes. When there aren't enough staff members to adequately care for residents, it can lead to rushed care, neglect of basic needs, and inadequate supervision.
• Inadequate Training: Staff members who lack proper training may not have the necessary skills to provide appropriate care for residents. This can result in errors in medication administration, improper handling of medical equipment, and neglect of residents' physical and emotional needs.
• Poor Management and Oversight: Ineffective management and oversight within nursing homes can contribute to neglect. Lack of accountability, failure to address staff misconduct, and inadequate monitoring of residents' care can all lead to neglectful conditions.
• Burnout and Compassion Fatigue: Caregivers in nursing homes may experience burnout and compassion fatigue due to the demanding nature of their work. This can result in decreased empathy and motivation to provide quality care, leading to neglectful behaviors.
• Financial Constraints: Nursing homes may cut corners on staffing, training, and resources due to financial constraints. Profit-driven decisions can compromise the quality of care provided to residents, resulting in neglect.
• Poor Communication: Inadequate communication among staff members, between staff and residents, and between staff and families can contribute to neglect. Misunderstandings, missed information, and lack of coordination can all lead to lapses in care.
• Neglectful Culture: In some cases, a culture of neglect may develop within nursing homes, where neglectful behaviors are normalized or ignored. This can perpetuate a cycle of poor care and contribute to systemic neglect.
• Individual Factors: Some instances of neglect may be attributed to the actions or attitudes of individual staff members. This could include neglectful or abusive behavior, lack of empathy, or personal issues affecting job performance.
• Lack of Regulatory Compliance: Failure to comply with regulations and standards set forth by regulatory agencies can contribute to neglect in nursing homes. Inadequate enforcement of regulations and lack of consequences for non-compliance can enable neglectful practices to persist.

Ready to Protect Your Loved One's Rights & Health

Nursing home neglect is a deeply troubling issue that affects vulnerable individuals who rely on the care and support of nursing home facilities. Sadly, these cases often go unnoticed or unreported, leaving victims without a voice.

At Harvey & Foote, we believe that nursing home neglect should never be tolerated. Our skilled Albuquerque legal team is well-versed in New Mexico state laws regarding elder abuse and neglect. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one's case, gather evidence, consult with medical experts if necessary, and build a strong legal strategy tailored to your unique situation.

Contact our dedicated legal team today to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the legal process and fight for the rights and well-being of your loved ones.