When you visit your loved one in a California nursing home, you have a right to reasonably expect that he or she is being well-cared for according to state regulations and accepted safety standards of the medical industry. You shouldn’t have to worry about nursing home negligence because it should never occur.
In a perfect world, that would always be the case. In reality, however, nursing negligence is problematic in this state and throughout the country. The better able you are to recognize symptoms of negligence, the more equipped you’ll be to step in and help your loved one if an issue arises that causes you concern.
More than half of U.S. nursing homes have negligence problems
If you were to ask nursing home officials throughout the country how many have faced nursing negligence problems, you might be surprised by percentage. Current data suggests that more than half of all nursing facilities in this country have abuse or negligence problems.
The following list includes signs that should raise a red flag regarding the quality of care your loved one is or isn’t receiving in a nursing home:
- Lack of personal hygiene
- Unexplained marks or injuries on your family member’s body
- Insufficient explanation for injuries by nursing home officials
- Loved one appears frightened around a particular employee
- Aggressive behavior by a worker toward a patient
This isn’t an extensive list. However, it includes some of the most common signs that a nursing home patient might be experiencing substandard care or abuse. You can’t be with your loved one 24/7, which is why it’s important to feel confident that his or her nursing team is providing quality care.
What should you do if you suspect negligence?
Investigating a possible nursing home negligence situation can be difficult, especially if your family member has dementia or other cognitive impairment that can affect his or her ability to answer questions about possible negligence or abuse. If you’re not satisfied with an explanation, you can conduct additional inquiries with nursing home officials.
If your loved one has a sound mind, you can begin your inquiry by asking him or her how a specific injury occurred or why they were left sitting alone in a hallway, etc. You can also speak with a patient advocate who works for the nursing home. Being proactive and unapologetic in seeking answers to your questions may not only lead to answers but could potentially save your loved one’s life.