Albuquerque Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys

Common Forms of Neglect in Nursing Homes

Abuse is not the only form of potential harm at nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Neglect in nursing homes refers to the failure of caregivers or staff to meet the needs of residents.

Several common forms of neglect in nursing homes include:

• Basic needs neglect: This involves a failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, and personal hygiene for residents. Such inaction can manifest as malnutrition, dehydration, poor personal hygiene, inadequate clothing, or unsafe living conditions.
• Medical neglect: Medical neglect occurs when residents do not receive the necessary medical care, including medication management, timely administration of treatments, or access to healthcare professionals. It can lead to untreated or worsening medical conditions, infections, and other preventable health complications.
• Emotional or social neglect: Emotional neglect involves ignoring or isolating residents, failing to provide companionship or emotional support, or not addressing their social and emotional well-being. This form of neglect can result in feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety among residents.
• Personal hygiene neglect: This type of neglect involves a failure to assist residents with personal grooming, bathing, oral care, or maintaining a clean and safe living environment. Poor personal hygiene can lead to skin infections, sores, and other health issues.
• Supervision neglect: Lack of proper supervision can result in accidents, falls, and injuries among residents. Negligence in monitoring residents' movements, particularly those with mobility issues or cognitive impairments, can lead to preventable accidents and harm.

Any of these forms of neglect must be reported to the appropriate authorities or take necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the individuals involved. At Harvey, Foote & Baker Law Firm, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and seeking justice for victims of nursing home neglect in Albuquerque.

Common Signs of Neglect

Nursing home neglect can manifest in various ways, and common signs include:

• Physical Signs:
  • Unexplained injuries such as bruises, cuts, or fractures.
  • Bedsores (pressure ulcers) indicating prolonged immobility or lack of repositioning.
  • Poor hygiene, including unwashed hair, dirty clothes, or unclean living conditions.
  • Sudden weight loss or signs of malnutrition or dehydration.
• Emotional and Psychological Signs:
  • Withdrawn behavior or unusual changes in mood.
  • Fearfulness or agitation, particularly around certain staff members or in specific areas of the facility.
  • Symptoms of depression or anxiety.
  • Resident isolation or lack of interaction with others.
• Medical Neglect:
  • Failure to administer prescribed medication or improper medication management.
  • Delay or denial of necessary medical treatment.
  • Ignoring residents’ medical complaints or symptoms.
  • Lack of attention to chronic health conditions or worsening health status.
• Environmental Signs:
  • Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions, such as unclean bathrooms, soiled bedding, or inadequate heating or cooling.
  • Hazards like slippery floors, broken furniture, or poorly maintained facilities.
  • Lack of accessibility for residents with mobility issues, such as missing handrails or wheelchair ramps.
• Neglect of Basic Needs:
  • Inadequate nutrition or hydration, including missed meals or insufficient water intake.
  • Lack of assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, toileting, or eating.
  • Ignoring residents’ requests for assistance or help alarms going unanswered.
  • Poor supervision, leading to accidents or injuries.
• Social and Personal Neglect:
  • Lack of social activities or engagement opportunities.
  • Limited access to recreational facilities or programs.
  • Ignoring residents’ personal preferences or autonomy.
  • Disregard for residents’ rights or dignity.
• Financial Exploitation:
  • Unauthorized use of residents’ funds or property.
  • Overcharging for services or fraudulent billing practices.
  • Coercion or manipulation to obtain money or assets.