Signs and Symptoms of Tennessee Nursing Home Neglect
We all want to think that every senior is well cared for and loved in nursing homes, yet all too often this is not the case. Tennessee nursing home neglect can be happening right under our noses and sometimes we don’t know until it is too late.
For this reason, we should all be vigilant and recognize the signs and symptoms of neglect. There are some common factors to look out for when visiting the elderly:
- Bedsores. One sure sign that your loved one is not getting the full attention of the staff is the appearance of bedsores. Bed-ridden patients should be turned regularly and sores tended to.
- Dehydration or weight loss. If a nursing home resident always asks for water when you visit and there is none in sight, or you notice a sudden loss of weight, there is a chance that his or her basic needs are not being met.
- Unsanitary conditions. Foul odors, dirty floors and unmade or dirty beds signal a lack of sanitation in nursing homes.
- An unkempt appearance. When you visit, look carefully at the appearance of your loved one. Residents of good nursing homes will always be dressed during the day in clean clothes, with clean and groomed hair and nails.
- New or recurring illnesses or infections. Of course, everyone can come down with the common cold or infection. But when this happens too often or seems to go unnoticed, you need to get involved.
- Patients wandering. If you routinely see patients in a nursing facility wandering the halls aimlessly and alone, there may not be enough staff to watch out for your loved one.
- Lack of mobility or even frozen joints. Good nursing facilities make sure each resident is given proper exercise, within the limits of his or her ability.
- Frequent falls. If your loved one falls often, lack of supervision may be the culprit.
- Unanswered complaints. Listen to the complaints when you visit. They could be being ignored.
- Sudden and unexplained death. The worst case scenario, every death should be explained fully.
All of these signs may point to Tennessee nursing home abuse through neglect. Contact a Memphis nursing home abuse lawyer immediately if you suspect it. Bailey & Greer aggressively represent our most vulnerable population. Call toll-free today at 901-680-9777 for a free case consultation.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
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