My Grandmother Injured Herself At Night Because The Guard Did Not See Her Wander Out Of Her Room

The opening song in a well-known movie from the 90’s about a young lion’s journey in taking his place as king is a moving piece that sticks in the hearts and minds of many who have seen Disney’s Lion King. The song is “The Circle of Life”. When we see the vulnerability of both newborn babies and of the elderly needing to be fed, bathed, and monitored, there is no doubt that we will come full circle by the end of our days.

Both nurturing a new life and caring for one at the end her life can be a stressful and time consuming task and as loved ones we must make the best decisions we can for their well-being.

Placing Loved Ones in Long-term Care Facilities

Sometimes those decisions involve hiring someone else to care for our loved ones.

You research and carefully select the best place to make sure your loved one is happy and healthy in her new home and feel confident that everything is taken care of. But what happens when you get a call that everything has not been taken care of and now your loved one has suffered because of the neglect of the people who are supposed to taking care of them?

The Reality of Nursing Home Neglect

Unfortunately nursing home abuse and neglect is an all too common occurrence. Many times this stems from the nursing home’s desire to maximize profitability at the expense of their patients and this neglect is overlooked or covered up.

What constitutes nursing home neglect?

Neglect or abuse often comes in the form of the home not properly screening their employees and ending up with outright abuse. They may also be understaffed and unable to handle the patients adequately, resulting in bed sores, or injuries from unsupervised patients wondering the grounds. Sadly the one who suffers the most is your loved one.
There are different forms as well as varying degrees of neglect that of which you should be aware:

• Personal hygiene neglect: Many elderly patients need help with things like bathing, oral hygiene, changing clothes, or grooming and basic hygiene.
• Basic needs neglect: Basic needs such as food and water can be neglected in some homes. It is a shockingly common occurrence for patients to suffer from dehydration and malnutrition.
• Medical neglect: This can mean bed sores, untreated cuts or abrasions, physical exercise needs being ignored, and medications not being administered properly.
• Emotional neglect: One of the most difficult forms of neglect to identify is emotional neglect and it can take a toll on patients. Many elderly patients are susceptible to depression and will retreat to their rooms. Without properly trained and available staff to help combat this problem residence will be left to suffer.

Your loved one should be in the hands of someone who is able to care for them and give them the best quality of life possible. You and your loved one may be entitled to medical bills, pain and suffering, and other expenses incurred from an injury resulting is abuse or neglect. If your loved one has been the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse you should contact an attorney right away to help you recover damages for you and your loved one.

Oklahoma and Texas Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys

If you have suffered a serious injury or loss due to medical negligence, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Our legal and medical team will provide the guidance you need when faced with this type of legal issue. To schedule a free initial consultation, please contact us at 405-235-4500. We are happy to schedule evening, weekend and off-site visits