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Placing a loved one in a nursing home is often one of the most difficult decisions a family can make. Families who make this emotionally straining call do so with the expectation that their loved one will be in safe, professional care. However, this isn’t always the case. Knowing what constitutes nursing home neglect in New Mexico can help you tell whether your loved one has been legally wronged.
Nursing homes don’t always fulfill their professional, legal, and moral obligations to elderly individuals who cannot take care of themselves. Failure to maintain acceptable standards of care can lead to serious injuries, declining health, diminished life quality, and even wrongful death for patients and residents. If your loved one has suffered, you may want to hire a nursing home neglect lawyer.
What Is Considered Nursing Home Neglect?
A nursing home neglect case usually arises because a facility failed to meet a resident’s basic physical, emotional, or medical needs. Unlike intentional abuse, neglect may result from understaffing, lack of training, lack of resources, or poor supervision. However, even accidental harm is not excusable, and those affected may have grounds to pursue legal action.
Common examples of nursing home neglect can include:
- Failing to provide adequate food and water
- Ignoring hygiene and sanitation needs
- Delaying or ignoring medical treatment
- Failing to prevent falls or injuries
- Allowing bedsores to develop
- Improper management of medication
- Ignoring residents’ requests for assistance
If your loved one has complained about any of these issues, it may be time to contact a nursing home neglect attorney. They can help you gather evidence like witness testimonies, camera footage, medical reports, and more.
They can also pursue compensation for your loved one and New Mexico nursing home neglect penalties for those responsible.
Common Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
Nursing home neglect isn’t always obvious. It can be especially hard to detect if you don’t communicate with your loved one often, or if they are partially or completely non-verbal. However, there are some key warning signs you can look for:
- Physical health changes. Sudden weight loss, changes in physical appearance, unexplained sores or skin issues, or the need for new medications can all indicate potential neglect.
- Mental health issues. Many older individuals who are neglected may not be fully aware of it themselves, though the impact may manifest in the form of sudden depression, unexplained fearfulness, or uncharacteristic levels of withdrawal.
- Unsanitary living conditions. Dirty bedding, dirty clothing, messy rooms, a lack of proper recordkeeping for care practices, discolored water, or stale food are all signs that a resident may not have access to safe and secure conditions.
New Mexico is home to 68 total nursing homes, and about half are estimated to have severe deficiencies. There are about 6,854 beds in these homes, and any resident can be affected by neglect. If you think there’s a chance your loved one is suffering this fate, don’t wait to act.
Hire a Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer
Branch Law Firm has been handling nursing home neglect cases for 50 years. We know how to approach these sensitive issues with prompt, professional action focused on the well-being of your loved one. We can gather evidence, represent you in court, and pursue compensation if neglect is discovered. Contact us today for a free consultation.