When a loved one enters a nursing home, we expect him or her to be properly cared for. Unfortunately, however, nursing homes don’t always live up to this standard. From simple negligence to extreme abuse, nursing homes are frequently held liable for harming residents. Luckily, there are many laws in place that are intended to prevent elder abuse and neglect, thereby giving legal recourse to the families of those who are unhappy with the care their loved ones have received. If you believe that your loved one has suffered due to a nursing home’s failure to adhere to any of the requirements below, please contact an experienced nursing home neglect lawyer immediately.
At a minimum, nursing homes must:
- Be safe and sanitary
- Provide basic care and accommodations
- Provide residents with proper diet and nutrition
- Provide residents with access to medical care
Safe And Sanitary
Nursing homes must be both safe and sanitary. Nursing home responsibilities in this area include things like general cleanliness, general safety precautions, and the prevention of bedsores. The development of bedsores is often a sign that a nursing home isn’t providing its residents with a safe environment.
Basic Care and Accommodations
Nursing home residents must have access to basic care and accommodations, such as room and board, over-the-counter medications, medical supplies, and social services. If your loved one is a resident in a nursing home that fails to provide these types of necessities, you should contact an attorney immediately.
Proper Diet and Nutrition
All nursing home residents must have access to healthy foods. Many residents have nutrition plans that they must follow, and nursing homes must adhere to the requirements of these plans. Rapid weight loss or a general deficiency in overall health is a sign that a nursing home may not be providing your loved one with a proper diet.
Access to Medical Care
Many nursing home residents have health problems, making access to medical care imperative. In addition, nursing home staff members are responsible for administering medications in prescribed doses to residents. The lack of availability of medication, miscalculations of dosage, and improperly administered medication are all reasons to seek legal guidance.
Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers
If you or a loved one are a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, Leger Ketchum & Cohoon, PLLC is on your side. With offices located in The Woodlands, Dallas, and Boerne Texas, we are prepared to file civil lawsuits against those who abuse and neglect the most vulnerable among us, and we have a strong track record of winning such cases. We have a well-deserved reputation for providing efficient, responsive, effective representation and for obtaining the highest possible compensation for our clients. If you or a family member have suffered the pain and humiliation of elder neglect or abuse, please contact us as soon as possible for a free initial consultation.