Nursing Home Neglect and Medical Negligence: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The following are FAQ's regarding Nursing Home Neglect and Medical Negligence:

Elder abuse in nursing home settings may have different root causes (understaffing, inadequate staff training, weak management infrastructure, or poor health care delivery systems). However, the impact on its residents and their families is similar.

If someone you love the victim of nursing home negligence, contact Weitz & Luxenberg by filling out this simple form today.

• What are some signs of Physical and Emotional Abuse and Negligence at a Nursing Home?
• What are the Warning Signs of Poor Care?
  
  • Atmosphere
    
  • Dehydration
    
  • Declining Nutrition
    
  • Decline in Mobility
    
  • Pressure Sores
    
  • Mediation Problems
    
  • Loss of Dignity
    
  • Special Needs
    
  • Boredom and Depression
    

What are some signs of Physical and Emotional Abuse and Negligence at a Nursing Home?

The following are some of the signs indicating abuse in residential long-term care facilities:

• Open wounds, cuts, and welts
• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Weight loss
• Burns

• Sudden change in behavior
• Emotionally upset
• Extremely withdrawn or noncommunicative
• Confusion or dementia

• Poor personal hygiene
• Withholding medication or overmedicating
• Lack of assistance with eating and drinking
• Unsanitary conditions
• Soiled bed, with fecal or urine odor

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What are the Warning Signs of Poor Care?

These warning signs may indicate poor care in a nursing home.

• Unclean residents and sanitation problems
• Unpleasant odors
• Hurried staff
• Slow response to nurse call lights

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• Sunken eyes
• Dry lips
• Change in mental status
• Strong urine odor
• Swallowing problems
• Constipation

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• Weight loss
• Ill-fitting clothes
• Loose dentures
• Swallowing problems
• Lack of meal variety
• Lack of assistance with meals
• Rushed mealtimes
• Difficulty eating

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• Difficulty getting up from a chair or using a cane, walker, or wheelchair
• Loss of balance/falls
• Being physically or chemically restrained
• Bladder and Bowel Problems:
• Complaints or moaning
• Odors
• Wet and soiled clothing
• Lack of assistance getting to the bathroom
• Slow responses to call lights
• Slow responses changing wet or soiled clothes
• No toilet program
• No monitoring of intake and outflow

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• Discolored, swollen, or torn skin over bony areas
• Poor eating
• Lack of assistance to move or change positions every 2 hours (minimum)

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• Change in mental status
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Rashes
• Medication interactions
• Poor appetite

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• Dirty, untrimmed nails
• Crusty eyes
• Body odor
• Unkempt hair
• Unshaven
• Soiled clothing
• Lack of staff for daily grooming

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• Medical equipment such as oxygen or tube feeding turned off
• Lack of transportation for outside appointments and trips
• Lack of supplies including soap, toothpaste, and denture cleaners

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• Crying
• Withdrawn attitude
• Apathy
• Aggression
• Poor appetite
• Lack of planned activities (especially during nights and weekends)
• Lack of staff interaction with residents

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Source:
SAMHSA - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
http://pathwayscourses.samhsa.gov

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see also:

Nursing Home Checklist Official Nursing Home Neglect and Medical Negligence Checklist
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News & Warnings Official Nursing Home Neglect and Medical Negligence research
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