When you make the difficult decision to put a loved one in a nursing home in Georgia, you do so with the assumption that he or she will receive conscientious attention from a committed team of healthcare professionals. Sadly, this is not always the case, and many sick or elderly patients suffer from nursing home abuse or neglect. There are some warning signs you can look for that indicate nursing home neglect.
Altered mental state
Many residents of nursing homes find themselves in long-term care facilities due to physical illnesses that require round-the-clock care. This means that they have full mental capabilities when they become a resident. If you notice that your loved one seems confused or disoriented, it may be a sign that he or she is overly medicated or having adverse reactions to their medications.
Sudden loss of mobility
If your loved one suddenly loses the ability to walk or becomes noticeably more immobile than they were when they were first admitted, they may be suffering from neglect or abuse. Nursing home staffs are responsible for the care and well-being of those in their charge. They should ensure that able-bodied patients get up and walk around or even exercise during their time in the nursing home. If your loved one displays a loss of mobility, he or she may be suffering from neglect.
Appearance of injuries
While it is despicable to think of, many nursing home residents begin displaying bruises, abrasions and even broken bones. If your loved one has any of these visible signs of abuse, you should consider taking them out of the nursing home immediately and pursuing legal action against the facility’s staff.
If you have reason to believe that your loved one is suffering from negligence in a nursing home, you should consult the advice of an attorney. This attorney can review your claims, get your loved one’s medical records and gather information about previous claims against the nursing home in question.