Fighting Nursing Home Negligence And Elder Abuse

Failure to prevent falls, bed sores and ulcers, or medication errors are too common in hospitals and nursing homes. It is a terrible feeling if you think or know your family, friend or loved one was a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect. If this happens, you deserve an attorney who can help you seek justice for your loved one.

At Perantinides & Nolan, Co., L.P.A., we know of the injuries that can occur at nursing homes, assisted living facilities and even in at-home care services throughout Ohio. Learn more below about patient rights and what to do when nursing home neglect or abuse is suspected.

Resident Rights And Facts Regarding Patient Rights In Nursing Homes

Nursing home residents have patient rights and protections under Ohio law. All nursing homes must provide all new residents with a copy of their rights. Resident rights include:

• Respect: You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
• Services and Fees: You must be informed in writing about services and fees before you enter the nursing home.
• Money: You have the right to manage your own money or to choose someone else you trust to do this for you.
• Privacy: You have the right to privacy and to keep and use your personal belongings and property as long as it doesn’t interfere with the rights, health or safety of others.
• Medical care: You have the right to be informed about your medical condition, medications and to see your own doctor. You also have the right to refuse medications and treatments.
• Cleanliness: The nursing home should provide a clean, sanitized environment, help keep patients clean and staff should wash hands before caring for each patient. Staff should wear proper PPE when necessary.

Common Forms Of Nursing Home Neglect Or Elder Abuse

There are many ways neglectful or uncaring nursing home staff can cause harm to a resident, including:

• Fall down incidents
• Broken bones or fractures
• Unexplained bruises, cuts and injuries
• Wrongful or unexpected death
• Drug and medication errors
• Drug overdose, abuse and neglect
• Bed sores, pressure sores or decubitus ulcers
• Malnutrition or dehydration
• Unsafe or unsanitary conditions
• Verbal, mental or sexual abuse

What The Signs Of Nursing Home Neglect Or Elder Abuse May Look Like

Warning signs come in different forms depending on the nature of the neglect or injury. Residents that are suffering from neglect may experience signs and symptoms such as:

• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Changes in physical or mental status
• Talking less
• More or less energy or alertness
• Scrapes, bruises, bumps and scabs
• Increased complaining
• Other behaviors which are unlike the patient

What To Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Or Elderly Abuse Or Neglect?

If you believe that your loved one suffered neglect or abuse in their nursing home, don’t let your loved one suffer another day. Monitor any changes mentally or physically, take notes of their condition, report your findings to the local health department, gather photos and videos if possible, and lastly, contact us as soon as possible.

Call our Akron office at 330-253-5454 or email us here to schedule your initial consultation today to take the first step in seeking justice for your loved one.