Understanding Nursing Home Neglect: Types, Signs, and Action Steps

Unlike more overt forms of abuse, neglect is characterized by the omission of care and can be harder to detect.

At TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to raising awareness about this critical issue, empowering families to recognize signs of neglect and take decisive action to protect their loved ones.

Types of Nursing Home Neglect

Neglect in nursing homes can manifest in various forms, each harmful in its own right:

• Basic Needs Neglect: A resident’s fundamental needs, such as food, water, or a clean living environment, are unmet.
• Medical Neglect: Failure to provide necessary medical care, including medication management, wound care, or prevention and treatment of diseases.
• Personal Hygiene Neglect: Involves inadequate assistance with bathing, grooming, and other personal hygiene tasks.
• Social or Emotional Neglect: Staff ignore residents, leaving them isolated or failing to provide social and emotional support.

Recognizing the Signs

Signs of nursing home neglect can include:

• Unusual weight loss, malnutrition, or dehydration.
• Unsanitary living conditions, such as dirty bedding or clothing.
• Unattended medical needs, visible wounds, or bedsores.
• Changes in behavior, such as withdrawal or depression.
• Poor personal hygiene.