When a family makes the final decision to place an elderly relative in an assisting living or nursing home, it is never an easy decision. Even so, they still do it with the expectation that the establishment will provide the best service possible, and provide their aging family member with a caring, safe and stable environment. Unfortunately, this trust can be violated all too easily. Nursing home neglect is more common than people realize. In too many nursing homes around the United States, the staff doesn’t provide their residents the level of attention they need to remain happy and healthy. Issues of neglect in nursing homes are particularly serious because of the tendency for residents to have pre-existing medical conditions and other special needs. What the staff may consider a minor oversight can have catastrophic consequences, causing illness, serious injury, or even death.
Take a Stand and Hire a Nursing Home Neglect Attorney
If you notice bed sores on your loved one or they have received fractured or broken bones, these are obvious indicators that something is wrong. It isn’t uncommon for an elderly individual to be reluctant to discuss the topic of nursing home neglect, even if their life or health is being directly threatened. In most cases, they are embarrassed or will become irritated if you try to ask them about the actions of the staff or their living conditions. This is when it’s time for you to take a stand and hire a nursing home neglect attorney. Nursing home neglect attorneys in Sacramento are also elder abuse advocates and will fight hard to protect your loved one and their rights. When consulting with a lawyer you need to inform them of your suspicions and provide them with all the information you have. Once they review everything they will let you know if you have a case against the facility or not.
It’s Important to Act Quickly Rather than Delay
If you believe your loved one may be a victim of nursing home neglect, it is important to take action quickly and decisively. Not only do you owe it to your relative, who might not be able to speak-up in their defense, but the rest of the residents of the facility could be at risk as well. Negligent nursing homes can face serious legal repercussions and those injured by their harmful practices could be entitled to compensation.
