Nursing home and assisted living abuse and neglect can happen in many ways. Some of the most common cases we see are the result of falls. Most falls are preventable with proper assessment, monitoring, and supervision. Many of the residents in nursing homes require assistance with transferring from bed to a wheelchair or from a wheelchair to the toilet. These transfers if not done properly can result in falls with very serious injuries including fractured hips and pelvises. Fall impacts on the head can result in skull fractures and subdural hematomas. Nursing homes also use a variety of patient lifts and transfer devices. If the lift is not operated correctly the resident can fall over or the resident can slip out of the sling.

Nursing home neglect can also occur when residents with cognitive issues are not properly supervised. Residents can get into physical altercations with each other, can’t fall down stairwells or get lost outside the facility. It is important that each resident receives the care and supervision they require to keep them safe. Nursing homes are required to assess each resident based on their individual needs and create a care plan customized to provide services unique for their situation.

Neglect can also occur as the result of the failure to monitor changes in the physical or cognitive state of a nursing home resident. Changes in skin condition can go from a small, reddened area to a large deep sore without proper wound care and treatment. Generally treatable urinary tract infections can go without assessment or treatment to the point where a resident becomes septic and they can become fatal. Whenever there is a change in the physical or cognitive status of a resident the legal representative should be notified as well as the treating physician. If the facility is unable to provide the required assessment and care the resident needs to be sent to the emergency room or hospital as needed.