Understanding the formal definition of nursing home neglect is important if you believe that a loved one has been the victim of such behavior.

Elder abuse is increasingly common as well, especially given the number of people who reside in long-term care facilities.

Defining Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing home abuse
includes the intention to harm a resident or a group of residents.

Nursing home neglect, on the other hand, is defined as breaching a duty of care by ignoring a patient or by providing substandard care.

In order to pursue legal action for nursing home neglect, the substandard care or breach of duty must be a reasonable outcome of the nursing home’s negligent actions.

Types of Neglect in Nursing Homes

Neglect may vary from one case to another, but the four most common types of neglect in nursing homes include basic needs neglect, personal hygiene neglect, social or emotional neglect, and medical neglect.

Patients who are left alone or not provided adequate help with daily living activities may be victims of neglect. These situations can cause physical and mental harm to a patient and can be alarming for family members to discover.

Most family members who put a loved one in a nursing home do so after careful consideration of what is in the person’s best interests. No family member expects their loved one to be the victim of neglect or substandard care, but unfortunately, this is an all too common reality in nursing homes across the United States.

What Are Signs of Neglect in A Nursing Home?

It can be difficult to spot early warning signs that a loved one is being neglected in a residential care facility. Physical signs are not always present.

It can also be challenging to identify behavioral changes given the loved one is in an unfamiliar setting. An elderly patient that does not regularly interact with family members or friends might also have difficulty expressing concerns like social or emotional neglect.

Some of the most common signs of nursing home neglect include malnutrition, sudden weight loss, withdrawn behavior, changes in appearance or personal hygiene, injuries associated with falls, dehydration, and a growing lack of interaction with nursing home staff or residents.

What Are the Risks of Neglect in A Nursing Home?

Elderly residents of nursing homes where abuse or neglect are taking place are at an increased risk of developing infections, serious diseases, injuries or even fatal conditions.

Reporting potential neglect could save a patient’s life. If you believe that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, you can take action by consulting with an experienced attorney.