You entrust a long term care provider with the health and safety of your loved ones. However, the unfortunate reality is that neglect and abuse can occur to residents living in long term care or a nursing home. While instances of neglect and abuse are distressing to even think about, it’s important to ensure that loved ones are receiving the proper care that they are entitled to by law.
Types of Neglect and Abuse
Unfortunately, there are many types of neglect and abuse that have been reported in long term care homes and nursing homes. Neglect is generally referred to as an incident in which a long term care home and/or its staff is involved in breaking rules that are set in place by the government and industry to keep residents safe. Neglect can include:
● Failure to provide timely and adequate medical treatment
● Lack of adequate fall prevention
● Malnutrition
● Dehydration
● Medication errors
Abuse is generally referred to as an incident involving the specific intent to cause harm to a resident. Types of abuse can include:
● Improper use of restraints
● Emotional abuse
● Financial exploitation
● Physical or sexual abuse/assault
Warning Signs to Watch out For
So, what are the signs that you should be looking for if you think a loved one may be experiencing abuse or neglect? There are many different warning signs that can alert you that there may be something wrong. However, it’s important to note that just because you notice one of these signs, that doesn’t confirm neglect or abuse is occurring. Rather, the following signs should be taken seriously and looked into in order to ensure the safety and health of your loved ones in long term care. Look for:
● Unusual changes in behaviour – such as acting withdrawn from friends and family
● Unexplained changes in weight
● Malnutrition and/or dehydration
● Poor personal hygiene – including wearing unclean clothes, not being bathed or not receiving dental care
● Living conditions that are unsanitary – such as soiled bedding, rooms that are dirty or noticing bugs
● Lack of proper medical care – such as failing to provide proper referrals, failing to provide prescribed medication or errors in medication administration
● Injuries that are untreated or frequently occurring
● Insufficient supervision that includes failing to check on residents, failing to prevent wandering or leaving residents unattended in a dangerous situation
● Unsafe environmental conditions – such as slippery floors, poor lighting, or unsafe mobility equipment
If you are noticing any of the above warning signs in a loved one who is living in long term care or a nursing home, it may be time to consider talking to them about the care that they are receiving. If you discover improper care being provided, there are a few options that you can consider. A personal injury lawyer can help lay out your options and next steps, while also providing valuable knowledge and insight to your unique situation.
Our team at Beckett is ready to help you and your loved ones. We’ll listen to your personal situation, provide guidance and help determine what the best next steps are for your case. When you’re ready to connect with experienced lawyers who will help you get the justice you deserve, contact our team for a free case evaluation.
Published on November 9, 2021
