What To Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Neglect
Placing a loved one in a nursing home is a difficult decision made with trust that they will receive the care, dignity, and attention they deserve. Unfortunately, our PA nursing home neglect lawyers know that not all facilities meet that standard. If you suspect that your loved one is being neglected in a nursing home, it’s essential to act quickly and decisively to protect them and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you suspect nursing home neglect:
Know The Signs Of Neglect
Nursing home neglect can take many forms—physical, emotional, or medical. Some common signs include:
- Bedsores or pressure ulcers
- Sudden weight loss or dehydration
- Poor hygiene or soiled clothing/bedding
- Unexplained injuries or bruises
- Withdrawal, fearfulness, or depression
- Repeated infections or untreated medical conditions
If your loved one shows any of these warning signs, it’s time to investigate further.
Document Everything
Keep a detailed record of your observations. Write down the dates and times you notice signs of neglect, what you observed, and any conversations you had with staff. If possible, take photos of injuries, unsanitary conditions, or other visible evidence. This documentation will be critical if you decide to pursue legal action.
Speak With Staff And Management
Start by raising your concerns with the nursing home staff. Ask direct questions about your loved one’s care and condition. If the staff’s responses seem evasive, dismissive, or inconsistent, escalate the issue to facility management or the nursing home administrator.
Sometimes, neglect can be unintentional—due to understaffing or poor training. Nonetheless, bringing your concerns to their attention puts them on notice that you’re monitoring the situation.
Contact The State’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Every state has a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program that advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Ombudsmen are trained to investigate complaints and can serve as a neutral third party to help resolve concerns. Their involvement can sometimes pressure the facility to make immediate changes.
File A Report With Adult Protective Services Or The State Licensing Agency
If the situation doesn’t improve—or if the neglect is severe—report the issue to your local Adult Protective Services (APS) or the state agency that licenses and regulates nursing homes. These agencies can conduct their own investigation and may take enforcement actions if violations are found.
Seek Medical Attention For Your Loved One
Neglect can lead to serious health problems. If your loved one shows signs of injury, illness, or emotional distress, take them to an outside medical provider for a thorough evaluation. Their findings can serve as additional evidence of neglect.
Consult A Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer
If you believe your loved one has suffered due to nursing home neglect, consulting our experienced nursing home neglect lawyer is a crucial next step. Our lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for harm caused by negligent care.
No one should have to suffer in silence. If you suspect nursing home neglect, trust your instincts and take swift action. Your loved one’s safety and well-being come first—and holding negligent facilities accountable can help prevent others from experiencing the same mistreatment. At Davis & Brusca, LLC we want to help you receive justice.
