Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

While the most common form of nursing home abuse is physical, another prevalent type of abuse is neglect. Whether the act is accidental or intentional, nursing home neglect can be significantly harmful. Common causes of neglect include inadequate staffing (e.g., not enough staff to take care of residents and impossible workloads, negligent hiring practices (e.g., not hiring qualified workers or conducting background checks), and poor training.

If your loved one is a victim of nursing home neglect, call (803) 590-9900 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation.

The following are the common forms of nursing home neglect: 

• Medical neglect – When a staff member fails to fulfill a resident’s healthcare needs. Common examples include failure to provide the resident with medication in a timely manner, not regularly moving residents with mobility issues, improper medical care for existing conditions, and failure to report signs of illness or infection.
• Neglect of basic living – When a staff member fails to maintain a safe and clean-living environment. Common examples include not providing adequate food and water, not cleaning the residents’ rooms or common areas on a routine basis, and failing to keep the nursing home at a normal temperature.
• Neglect of personal hygiene – When a staff member fails to clean or maintain a resident’s personal hygiene. Neglect of personal hygiene can lead to serious health issues. Common examples include failing to properly bathe residents, not changing residents, and not regularly checking on residents.
• Emotional neglect – When staff leaves a resident alone for a long period of time or fails to provide him/her with enough emotional care or social activity.

If you are worried about a loved one’s quality of care from a nursing home or assisted-living facility, there are several signs that indicate nursing home neglect. However, neglect can still be difficult to detect, especially if your loved one suffers from dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Signs of Nursing Home Neglect:

• Physical Signs
  Neglect can show up in various physical ways. Look for:
  • Unexplained bruises, cuts, or sores
  • Weight loss or dehydration
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Untreated medical conditions, like infections or bedsores

These signs can indicate that the nursing home staff is not providing proper care or attention to the resident's needs.

• Behavioral Signs
  Residents may also show emotional and behavioral changes due to neglect. Some common signs include:
  • Withdrawal from social activities or family
  • Increased anxiety, depression, or agitation
  • Unexplained mood swings or fear of specific staff members

These changes can be especially noticeable in residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, who might not be able to communicate their needs clearly.

• Signs in Living Environment
  A neglected living space can also raise red flags. Keep an eye out for:
  • Unclean rooms, bathrooms, or common areas
  • Broken or damaged equipment (e.g., call buttons, bed rails, wheelchairs)
  • Unsafe conditions, like cluttered hallways or inadequate lighting

A poorly maintained environment is often a sign that the facility is not prioritizing the residents' well-being.

Legal Protections and Rights for Nursing Home Residents:

Residents in nursing homes are protected by law, and understanding these rights is crucial. Here’s what to know:

• Legal rights include the right to receive safe and quality care, be free from abuse and neglect, and have access to medical treatment.
• If neglect is suspected, families can take legal action by filing complaints with government agencies or pursuing lawsuits for damages.
• The Nursing Home Reform Act sets standards for care, including providing adequate staffing, medical care, and protection from neglect.

Role of State and Federal Agencies in Preventing Neglect:

Several organizations help prevent and address nursing home neglect:

• The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) oversees nursing homes and ensures they meet federal standards.
• State health departments conduct regular inspections to check for compliance and can penalize homes that fail to meet standards.
• Families can file complaints with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which advocates for residents and investigates complaints.

These agencies play a key role in holding nursing homes accountable and ensuring residents' rights are protected.