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Nursing home and community care abuse tends to be forgotten and covered up. It’s one of the most underreported forms of abuse due to the pressures placed on the victim. Knowing the signs of nursing home neglect in New Mexico can keep your loved one safe from harm.
Contact the Branch Law Firm to Start Your Case
For over 60 years, the Branch Law Firm has been a strong part of New Mexico’s legal community. Our practice was created with the passion to help those who need it most. As a seasoned New Mexico nursing home neglect attorney, Margaret Moses Branch tirelessly protects the legal rights of her New Mexico neighbors and community members. Our firm can pursue the compensation you deserve.
The Reality of Nursing Home Abuse in the United States
Victims of elder abuse may:
- Be manipulated or threatened by the abuser.
- Not have the support system needed to speak out.
- Fear being a burden to their loved ones by speaking out.
- Not understand the extent of what’s happening to them.
Neglect is one of the most common forms of abuse that elders face. In 2023, it was reported that around one in six elders over the age of 60 had experienced a form of abuse in a community care setting.
In 2023, New Mexico had 68 nursing homes that cared for nearly 5,200 people. In 2025, there were 31 nursing homes in New Mexico with serious deficiencies and 63 nursing homes with infection-related deficiencies.
Common Signs That Your Loved One May Be Experiencing Nursing Home Neglect
Often, it’s up to the elder’s loved ones to look for signs of neglect. Visiting your loved one often is not only necessary to their emotional well-being but also to their physical well-being. If something feels off during your visit, don’t ignore it. Common signs of neglect can include:
- Poor hygiene or unhygienic living conditions. This can indicate that there aren’t enough staff to care for your loved one, or the staff aren’t taking the necessary time to do so.
- Unexplained injuries or medical problems. A common one to watch for is bed sores.
- Sudden changes in mood or behavior. This can include feeling fearful toward a specific staff member, not wanting to be touched, or being irritable, quieter, and withdrawn.
- Staff avoiding your questions. They may be hiding their abuse or covering for the facility as a whole.
- Staff not allowing you access to your loved one or their records. If staff don’t explain things in clear detail but instead give confusing answers about why you can’t see your loved one or access their medical records, it may be a sign that they’re hiding something.
- Malnutrition or dehydration. These can seriously endanger their life.
If you suspect that your loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect, it’s vital to hire a nursing home neglect lawyer as soon as possible. They can explain New Mexico’s nursing home neglect laws and what can be done in your specific situation.
Hire a Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer to Advocate for Your Legal Rights
Contact the Branch Law Firm today to learn how our attorneys and the rest of our legal team can help you during this difficult time. It’s nearly impossible to take on a legal case alone. With our years of professional experience in similar situations, our team can provide skilled representation throughout your nursing home neglect case.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t accept payment for our legal services unless we’ve won compensation for your case.