San Antonio Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer
Neglect can happen in any nursing home. It is prevalent in any city, country or state. Being mindful of neglect is necessary for the sake of our loved ones residing in these facilities. At the most serious level, it could lead to death. Before neglect leads to permanent damage or death, contact a trustworthy attorney
Neglect occurs when a caregiver declines or fails to supply the level of care required to avoid physical or mental harm. There are numerous signs of neglect. It is beneficial to recognize these signs.
Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
- Failing to assist in personal hygiene, proper distribution of food, fluids, clothing, or shelter.
- Failing to prevent dehydration or malnutrition
- Failing to take the resident to the toilet when required
- Failing to take proper safety measures to prevent falls
- Failing to appropriately observe residents according to proper care plans
- Leaving persons lying in urine or defecation
- The development of pressure sores (decubitus ulcers / bedsores) or frozen joints
- Over-medication of nursing home residents
- Failing to provide pain medication when needed
- Failing to care for existing health conditions of residents
- Dropping residents and causing fractures or injuries
- Failing to respond to call lights
- Penalizing residents for making a complaint or filing a grievance
Understaffing in nursing homes is one of the main reasons for neglect. Approximately 70% of the nursing homes’ income goes to the wages of staff. Most facilities opt to reduce employing staff in order to increase revenue. Once that happens, there will not be a sufficient amount of staff to properly tend to the needs of the residents. Working conditions become more stressful and “burnout” can occur. Some reports indicate that over half of nursing homes across the nation fall below the minimum staffing level for nurse’s aides. One third of nursing homes fall below the minimum number of registered nurses.
It is important to take a stand on behalf of yourself or a loved suffering from nursing home neglect. You can’t change the past but you can change the future. Bringing these nursing homes to justice for neglecting residents is imperative to facilitate awareness and modification in nursing home facilities.
If you or a loved one has suffered nursing home neglect, call me today. Initial consultations are always free and confidential. If you live in the San Antonio area, call me at 210-227-1888.