Families throughout Nassau County and Queens trust nursing homes and assisted living facilities to care for their loved ones. Often, however, this trust is misplaced. Countless residents are mistreated and neglected each year, while the responsible establishments and their staff are not always held accountable.
Stopping elder neglect begins with recognizing some of the most common signs of it. Bornstein & Emanuel, P.C. explains what you need to know, and how you can fight back.
What Families Should Look For
Elder neglect can take many forms, and there is no comprehensive list of every possible indication that someone is being harmed. But there are a few common signs that families need to know about. Be on the lookout for the following problems your loved one may experience:
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Unusual weight loss
- Bed sores (also known as pressure sores)
- Infections
- Blisters
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Poor sanitation
- Declining hygiene
- Behavioral changes
- Anxiety attacks
- Depression
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Decreased enjoyment of life
Many of these occur without adequate explanation, sometimes after an extended period in which the resident was fine. In other words, families should be suspicious of sudden injuries, illnesses, or other negative changes.
You should also be aware of signs that the nursing home or assisted living facility is having problems. Any of the following problems may indicate that something is wrong with the establishment, which in turn could pose a health or safety risk to your loved one:
- Medication and other errors
- Unsafe conditions
- Unattended, unkempt, or unsupervised residents
- Lack of knowledge among the staff members
- Understaffing and overworked staff members
- High staff turnover
- Staff speaking poorly of residents
- Poor reviews of the facility
- Overcrowding
- Lack of privacy
- Lack of activities
- Poor lighting and maintenance problems
- Strong, unpleasant odors
- Defective medical devices
Not All Residents Speak Up
It’s also important to understand that many residents are too afraid or ashamed to discuss injuries and health problems. They may also fear reprisal from nursing home staff if they speak up. However, this does not necessarily mean that there aren’t problems.
As a family member, it may be up to you to advocate for your parent or loved one. If you notice the above problems, or anything else that is unusual or alarming, contact a nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer serving Nassau County and Queens.
How to Document Neglect
If you believe your family member is being harmed, you should do what you can to document the neglect. Don’t delay gathering evidence, because staff members may destroy it or cover it up. Examples of documentation include:
- Pictures and videos: You should take pictures and record videos of injuries, unsanitary conditions, dirty or torn clothing, and other problems.
- Detailed notes: Write down everything you can remember about the neglect signs that you observed, including time, date, and location.
- Witnesses: If you can find other witnesses, especially non-family members, get their names and contact information.
- Medical records: In the event your loved one needs medical attention, document the treatment, bills, and the like.
- Communication: Keep copies of emails or other written communications with the nursing home staff, and make notes about phone calls.
How to Report Nursing Home Neglect in Nassau County and Queens
If your parent or other loved one has been neglected in a nursing home or assisted living facility, or you aren’t sure, reporting it could make the difference between life and death. You may also save other residents from a similar fate. We recommend that you take the following steps:
- Call emergency services if there is an urgent need: If the person is in immediate danger of death or serious bodily injury due to the neglect, call 911 and report it.
- Contact New York Adult Protective Services: This agency is responsible for investigating elder abuse and can assist in putting an end to it.
- Retain an experienced Nassau and Queens nursing home injury attorney: You may be able to seek compensation to cover your loved one’s medical bills and personal or financial losses.
Our Legal Team is Here to Help You
Don’t wait to take legal action to stop nursing home neglect. With the right law firm by your side, you can protect the safety and health of your parent or loved one and get them the assistance and care they need. Reach out to Bornstein & Emanuel, P.C. today to get started.
