What is Considered Neglect in a Nursing Home? | Odessa Personal Injury Lawyers

About 1 in 10 people over the age of 60 have faced abuse. Elder abuse comes in many forms, such as neglect, financial, sexual, verbal, and physical. Each poses a threat and should be taken seriously. So, what is considered neglect in a nursing home? Neglect is a form of abuse in which the care provider fails to deliver basic necessities, like food, medication, or hygiene. If you or someone you know has experienced elder abuse in the Odessa area, then consider working with the lawyers at the office of Carabin Shaw. Address Odessa nursing home negligence by speaking to an attorney today.

Abuse occurs when there is a violation of the duty of care, which is a standard that care providers must uphold. According to this standard, no unnecessary procedure or treatment should occur, nor should there be any lack of necessary treatment. Any deviation from the standard of care is cause for investigation. Neglect is an example of straying away from appropriate care by failing to provide basic necessities. Negligence is a failure to provide primary care, such as:

• Food
• Housing
• Showers or Baths
• Medicine
• Social Interaction

About 15% of nursing home complaints are about neglect. Many elder abuse cases go unreported, thus making it difficult to provide accurate statistics. You must report suspected elder abuse. Consider making a report with an Odessa elder abuse lawyer. Speaking with the right attorney will make it possible to provide more accurate statistics. Additionally, working with one of our elder abuse lawyers ensures you are receiving appropriate guidance for your case.

Nursing home negligence lawyers in Odessa know that neglect can lead to a decline in health, which may lead to illness or premature death. Some signs of neglect include:

• Poor hygiene: body odor and bedsores may be common
• Repeated sickness: an increase in disease may occur
• Malnourishment: including malnutrition and dehydration
• Change in mood: changes in personality often occur in those facing neglect
• Depression or anxiety: newfound anxiety or fear

It is essential to take note of any drastic changes, especially personality changes. Signs of neglect can be difficult to spot, which is why it is important to pay attention to any complaints. Patients with dementia, women, singles, and those with mental health issues are more likely to experience elder abuse. The effects of abuse are extensive, ranging from physical impacts to psychological. Odessa personal injury attorneys recommend reporting suspected abuse as soon as possible to avoid further instances. You can mitigate Odessa nursing home negligence through reporting abuse, which can be done by connecting with a lawyer.

You expect the utmost care from the nursing home staff and care providers. Problems arise when those expectations fall short. You can help prevent elder abuse by choosing a nursing home with adequate staff to patient ratio, providing elder abuse education to the team, and taking complaints seriously. Regular check-ins with your loved one will make it easier to spot possible abuse. If you suspect abuse, consider working with an Odessa elder abuse lawyer. They will be able to provide resources for reporting and on what to do next. Odessa is not immune to elder abuse. If you or a loved one is suffering, then speak to a lawyer today.

Our nursing home negligence lawyers in Odessa have helped with numerous elder abuse cases before. You want to ensure you are receiving legal aid from qualified experts. The lawyers at the office of Carabin Shaw wish to work with you. You can combat Odessa nursing home negligence by speaking with us today.

For a free consultation, call our Odessa area office at 432-620-0544. You can also get in touch with us toll-free at 1-800-862-1260.