What is Nursing Home Neglect?
The State of California has special laws enacted for the specific purpose of protecting the elderly population (over 65) and dependent adults. These laws were designed to encourage victims and their attorneys to pursue legal cases against all persons or entities that abuse or neglect this vulnerable segment of society. Elder, disabled and dependent adults depend on nursing homes to provide most if not all of their daily care, which includes food, water, medicine, toileting, grooming, social and physical stimulation, as well as regularly being turned in their beds. However, because nursing homes are not sufficiently staffed, and the staff there is generally underpaid, millions of elder and dependent adults are repeatedly being neglected and abused. Signs of nursing home abuse and neglect include:
Whether it is a single incident that causes injury or repeated neglect or abuse, the victim or his/her next of kin has a right to bring claims against the nursing home under the nursing home neglect laws. If the nursing home is found to be negligent or abusive, the victim and/or next of kin will generally be awarded monetary compensation and the nursing home could potentially lose its certification for failing to supply the expected care (leading to a loss of federal funding).
The best prevention of neglect and abuse is attentive family members, who, on an ongoing basis, are aware of the general health of their vulnerable relatives. If you suspect that you or a loved one is or was subject to an abuse or neglect, it is important to report that abuse or neglect right away. The San Francisco, California nursing home abuse lawyers of Mary Alexander & Associates have prosecuted many cases involving the abuse or neglect of the elderly and dependent and provide a free consultation to any individual who believes that abuse or neglect may have been committed.
- Bed sores (pressure sores, decubitus ulcers)
- Burns
- Rapid weight loss
- Unexplained bruises
- Emotional withdrawal
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Heavy sedation
- Inability of caretakers to explain patient's condition
Whether it is a single incident that causes injury or repeated neglect or abuse, the victim or his/her next of kin has a right to bring claims against the nursing home under the nursing home neglect laws. If the nursing home is found to be negligent or abusive, the victim and/or next of kin will generally be awarded monetary compensation and the nursing home could potentially lose its certification for failing to supply the expected care (leading to a loss of federal funding).
The best prevention of neglect and abuse is attentive family members, who, on an ongoing basis, are aware of the general health of their vulnerable relatives. If you suspect that you or a loved one is or was subject to an abuse or neglect, it is important to report that abuse or neglect right away. The San Francisco, California nursing home abuse lawyers of Mary Alexander & Associates have prosecuted many cases involving the abuse or neglect of the elderly and dependent and provide a free consultation to any individual who believes that abuse or neglect may have been committed.