Nursing home neglect is a general term that encompasses many different situations that commonly result in patient injury or even death.
The duration of the neglect can occur over any period of time- days, weeks, months -- even years. Many situations involving nursing home neglect are reflective of a systematic problem at the facility, where shift-after-shift of nursing home employees fails to provide necessary care to patients in need.
Medical complications such as malnutrition, dehydration and bed sores are common consequences of nursing home neglect. In some situations, the aforementioned conditions of malnutrition and dehydration may contribute to the development of bed sores.
* Incontinence - Failure to keep patient clean, change soiled linens after an episode of incontinence, and re-position patients on a regular internals may contribute to the development of bed sores (similarly referred to as: pressure sores, pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers).
* Dehydration - An inability to perceive thirst or anxiety over going to the toilet are some of the common factors that contribute to dehydration of nursing home patients. Staff must keep track of patients fluid intake and output.
* Malnutrition - We all know food is a basic requirement to keep our bodies functioning properly. Yet, when inappropriate foods (solid foods given to an are given to patients who can not eat them) or no staff assistance is provided to patients who are unable to feed themselves serious health problems may develop.
Nursing Home Liability for Neglect of Patients:
It is not necessary to distinguish the type of neglect nor establish actual intent on the part of the facility to pursue a cause of action premised on neglect. Rather, if your loved one suffered a bed sore or other type of injury due to inaction on the part of a caretaker, you may be entitled to pursue a claim for the resulting damages.
Like many cases involving bed sores (also referred to as: pressure sores, pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers) the nursing homes main argument is usually that the patients wounds were 'unavoidable'.
While there may be a limited number of circumstances where skin-breakdown occurs despite the implementation of all feasible preventative measures--- most cases of bed sores simply result from downright neglect and faulty care-- the facility simply not doing its job in caring for the patients says California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Steven C. Peck who can be contacted toll free at 1.866.999.9085.
