There are times when someone you love needs more care than you can provide. Nursing homes exist to offer a safe place for people when they can no longer live alone. In New Mexico, people expect that their loved ones will be treated with respect and dignity. Unfortunately, understaffed nursing facilities can create a situation where residents suffer mental or physical issues due to neglect.
Physical neglect
Ignoring the physical needs of patients is the most common type of nursing home negligence. Patients who need assistance with eating and drinking may become malnourished or dehydrated. To improve mobility and prevent bedsores, residents must move regularly, and people who are unsteady on their feet will need assistance to prevent falls. If the staff is not paying attention, a fall can cause bruising and broken bones. Other signs of physical neglect include:
- Poor daily hygiene
- Unclean living conditions
- Unexplained injuries
- Skin rashes and sores
Medical neglect
Many people in nursing homes require daily medicine to treat health conditions. Sometimes, these patients require several doses of a medication each day. The nursing home has a responsibility to deliver medical treatments as prescribed. Failing to do so can lead to declining health. Medical nursing facility neglect also includes cases where a medical condition went without treatment because staff members missed or ignored the signs.
Emotional and social neglect
One of the benefits of a nursing home is that it allows people to have social interactions. However, residents who cannot walk on their own may find themselves isolated. A lack of stimulation tends to increase the rate of mental decline and dementia.
When a loved one is in a nursing facility, it is important to pay attention to any signs of isolation or neglect. If a nursing home is not treating its residents with the respect they deserve, an experienced lawyer may help you understand how best to address the situation.
