Nursing homes play a vital role in our society, providing care and support for our older adults when they need it the most. However, there are many instances where nursing homes fail to uphold their duty of care, leading to negligence and abuse. In such cases, it is essential for the victims to seek the legal assistance of a Cedar Rapids nursing home injury lawyer to protect their rights and get the care they deserve.

Here we’ll explore some of the most common forms of nursing home negligence.

• Physical Abuse

Physical abuse in nursing homes is unfortunately common. It involves any form of physical harm inflicted on a resident, like hitting, slapping, or improperly restraining them. The common signs may include unexplained bruises, cuts, or other injuries.

• Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can be just as harmful as physical abuse. This form of negligence could involve yelling, humiliation, isolation, or ignoring the resident. The common signs of emotional abuse may include changes in behavior, such as becoming withdrawn or showing signs of depression.

• Neglect of Basic Needs

This form of negligence involves failing to provide residents with their basic needs, such as food, water, personal hygiene, and medical care. The common signs of this kind of negligence may include malnutrition, dehydration, poor personal hygiene, and untreated medical conditions.

• Medical Negligence

Medical negligence happens when a nursing home fails to provide adequate medical care to its residents. This could involve failing to administer medication correctly, not attending to medical emergencies promptly, or neglecting to follow up on medical concerns. The common signs of medical negligence may include worsening health conditions, unexplained weight loss, or the presence of bedsores.

• Financial Exploitation

Financial exploitation involves the illegal or improper use of a resident’s funds, property, or assets. This type of exploitation can include stealing money or possessions, forging signatures on checks, or coercing residents into signing financial documents they don’t understand.

• Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in nursing homes can be a deeply disturbing form of negligence. It involves any non-consensual sexual contact with a resident. The common signs of this kind of abuse may include unexplained injuries, sexually transmitted diseases, or behavioral changes.

To combat these forms of negligence, it’s crucial to regularly check on your loved ones in nursing homes and report any signs of abuse or neglect. Remember, everyone has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, and this does not change when someone moves into a nursing home. Moreover, if you suspect that a loved one is experiencing nursing home negligence, you should reach out to local authorities or a legal professional specializing in elder law immediately.