Neglect of Personal Hygiene in Nursing Homes

Do you believe that a loved one may be suffering from New Mexico nursing home negligence? You are likely wondering how you will recover costs for medical treatment and rehoming. You might also be worried about addressing your non-economic damages, too. Carabin Shaw’s team of personal injury attorneys has extensive experience with nursing home negligence cases, and we can help you today. Call our office serving New Mexico for a free consultation.

What is the significance of neglect of personal hygiene in nursing homes? The failure to provide adequate personal hygiene and an adequately sanitary living environment is perhaps the most common form of nursing home negligence. Hygiene is essential for people of any age, but especially so for the elderly, whose weakened immune systems make them more vulnerable to infection and disease. Unfortunately, when nursing homes slip up regarding cleanliness, there could be major consequences.

Many families entrust a nursing home with their loved one because of mobility issues that prevent them from completing regular everyday tasks, such as bathing. We expect that the nursing home will assist them in bathing, brushing their teeth, and other matters of personal hygiene. Without regular bathing, they are at an increased risk of infection, which can be hugely dangerous, even deadly, at an advanced age and with a weakened immune system.

If you notice that your relative’s hygiene seems substandard, secure New Mexico elder abuse lawyers right away. The threat of legal action alone might be enough for the nursing home to start treating your relative better.

It is also incumbent upon the nursing home to provide a sanitary living space. Not doing so leaves them open to a lawsuit. Failure to change and wash sheets and keep rooms tidy can also lead to infection, as well as creating slip-and-fall hazards. If you notice that your relative’s room is in disarray or seems dirty, bring it to the attention of the staff. If the problem persists, look into rehoming your relative and contact a lawyer right away. Again, your relative’s advanced age leaves them at a heightened risk of infection and illness.

A nursing home is not only responsible for ensuring that residents’ living conditions are sanitary; it must also prepare meals for residents. An unsanitary kitchen presents a considerable risk of foodborne illness. If you notice any signs of an unclean kitchen or foodborne illness, bring it to someone’s attention immediately, as it could have deadly consequences. Again, begin the process of rehoming your relative and contact an attorney specializing in New Mexico nursing home negligence.

There are many personal injury attorneys in New Mexico specializing in elder abuse and nursing home malpractice. In 2018, reports showed that nursing homes statewide were home to over 2,000 deficiencies, the highest number of per-home issues in the country. In the last five years, nursing homes have been fined millions of dollars in response to these issues. Nursing home negligence is one of the most common lawsuits in the state, and it will be easy to find a New Mexico lawyer who claims it as a specialty.

However, you should be careful when selecting New Mexico elder abuse lawyers. Look into an attorney’s record and the types of clients that they usually represent. Are they dedicated to helping individuals rather than corporations? How to former clients rate them? Remember that your nursing home may retain in-house lawyers specializing in defending them against negligence claims. Is your lawyer familiar with that opposition?

Carabin Shaw’s legal team has extensive experience representing individuals like you in negligence cases like yours. Do not allow the problem to get worse. Contact us today at 915-779-2301 or toll-free at 1-800-862-1260 to discuss New Mexico nursing home negligence.