Our elderly are particularly vulnerable when they reside in assisted living, personal care or nursing home facilities. By law, they are entitled to proper care and respect and should be free from any abuse. But occasionally, serious problems arise, because of a lack of care or negligent treatment or actual abuse, each of which can cause serious injury to our loved ones, frequently leading to a decline in general health and loss of life.
These problems can occur anywhere, in any facility, and manifest in many forms. Frequently, these problems can be overlooked or ignored or facilities staff will blame the elderly patients instead of taking responsibility for proper care.
There are several common forms of neglect. Personal hygiene neglect occurs when clean cloths, bedding and oral care are omitted. Basic needs neglect involves a lack of timely and adequate food and hydration leading to malnutrition and dehydration. A safe and clean physical environment is very important, because the elderly may be much less agile or mobility impaired. Medical neglect involves a failure to meet medical needs, provide prescription medications, or prevent systemic infections. Any lack of hygiene can exacerbate these problems quickly. Emotional neglect and cruelty also frequently occurs, particularly in facilities under economic restraints where less qualified personnel may be overworked and underpaid.
We are here to assist you in such matters, both with advice and counsel, and with representation when the need arises.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. We will be happy to meet with you to discuss any situation, on a confidential and courtesy basis, and without commitment.