What Are Signs of Neglect in a Nursing Home?

Neglect is a concern for nursing home residents and families across Wisconsin. These facilities are supposed to provide residents with the care and support they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives. It is vital to recognize the signs of neglect in a nursing home so you can take action if your elderly loved one is in danger.

At Studinski Law, LLC, our Wisconsin nursing home abuse lawyers are committed to protecting the rights of residents and helping families seek justice. We know all too well what neglect looks like, and our team can help you protect your loved one and make a strong claim for compensation.

If you are concerned that a family member is showing the signs of neglect in a nursing home, call Studinski Law, LLC at (715) 343-2850 today for a FREE case evaluation. We serve clients in Plover, Marshfield, Stevens Point, and communities throughout Wisconsin.

7 Telltale Signs of Neglect in Wisconsin Nursing Homes

Statistics show that elder abuse is a pervasive problem. Approximately 10% of seniors 65 years of age or older experience some type of abuse, with the rates often higher in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.

What are the telltale signs of neglect in a nursing home? Some of the most common examples we see at Studinski Law, LLC include:

1. Physical Injuries (i.e., Bedsores or Fall-Related Injuries)

Physical injuries are often indicative of neglect. This includes injuries caused by residents’ immobility, as well as injuries resulting from falls and other traumatic events.

When residents are immobile, nursing home staff must provide the care needed to prevent bedsores and the potentially serious complications that bedsores can cause. Likewise, when residents need help with their mobility, nursing home staff must provide the support residents need to do things like use the restroom and visit common areas. If residents who need help are left alone for too long, this may constitute neglect under Wisconsin law.

2. Poor Hygiene or Unsanitary Living Conditions

Poor hygiene and unsanitary living conditions are often indicative of neglect as well. When residents are unable to meet basic needs on their own, it is up to nursing homes to provide the care and support their residents require.

3. Deteriorating Physical Health

Along with physical injuries and poor hygiene, deteriorating physical health may also be a sign of neglect in a Wisconsin nursing home. While everyone will eventually experience some deterioration in their physical health as they age, nursing home residents’ physical health should not deteriorate unnecessarily.

Whether due to complications from immobility or lack of access to medical care, preventable physical health issues may provide grounds for nursing home residents and their families to file a claim. A knowledgeable attorney can help you identify signs of neglect in a nursing home and explore your legal options.

4. Deteriorating Mental Health

Preventable mental health issues may also provide grounds for nursing home residents and their families to pursue legal action. Along with lack of access to necessary care for such issues, nursing home residents may also experience mental health problems due to neglect itself.

Feeling neglected or abandoned can lead to fear, anxiety, depression, and a variety of other mental health issues. This can negatively impact all aspects of nursing home residents’ daily lives.

5. Symptoms of Malnutrition or Dehydration

Malnutrition and/or dehydration may indicate that the resident is not receiving nutritious food or enough liquids. Both conditions could be signs that the nursing home staff is not meeting the resident’s dietary and nutrition needs.

Symptoms of malnutrition or dehydration may include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Unusual fatigue
• Poor wound healing and infections
• Dry hair or skin
• Dizziness and confusion
• Increased heart rate
• Decreased bowel or bladder movements

Depending on the severity, malnutrition and dehydration may need to be treated as medical emergencies. This is especially true for older adults who may not have received the care they need. Nursing homes cannot stand in the way of residents seeking medical care; if they do, this is often a major red flag for neglect (or abuse).

6. Unused Medications

Unused medications are another common sign of nursing home neglect. When residents need help managing medical conditions, failure to help residents take their medications as prescribed may constitute neglect under Wisconsin law. Prompt medical intervention is often necessary to avoid further adverse consequences.

7. Inability to Get Straight Answers from the Nursing Home

Finally, if you are struggling to get straight answers from the nursing home, this may be a sign that the nursing home’s administrators or staff members believe they have something to hide. In this scenario, you should not accept evasiveness or half-truths.

Instead, you should continue to seek the answers you need. You also should not hesitate to contact a lawyer about dealing with the nursing home on your behalf.

Don’t Ignore the Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

If your loved one doesn’t appear to be doing well in a nursing home or other care facility, this is not something to ignore. Unfortunately, residents are often reluctant to report abuse or neglect. They may also lack the capacity to speak up.

Studinski Law, LLC can investigate on your behalf. We know the signs of abuse and neglect in nursing homes, and we have the experience to hold staff and facilities accountable.

Call (715) 343-2850 today for a FREE case evaluation. Our nursing home neglect attorneys serve clients throughout the Stevens Point metro area and all of Wisconsin from offices in Plover and Marshfield.