If you notice a loved one’s clothes are soiled when you visit them in a nursing home, or you see other signs of poor hygiene, it could indicate that they are receiving substandard care.
Poor hygiene in a nursing home is a form of neglect that can often result in health conditions, and in some tragic cases, early mortality. Many residents are especially vulnerable as they often have pre-existing health conditions that make them more susceptible to illness stemming from neglectful care.
If you are worried about the wellbeing of a loved one in an extended care nursing facility, talk to a member of our team about your concerns. You may be able to pursue compensation on behalf of your family member. An Atlanta soiled clothes or other signs of poor hygiene lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm might be able to help you. We are ready to answer your questions and address your concerns in a free case evaluation today.
Signs of Poor Hygiene in Nursing Home
A study by the Department of Justice estimates that older adults comprise 14.9% of the total population in the USA. This accounts for almost 50 million people. Tragically, of those, at least ten percent will experience elder abuse in twelve months. That is almost five million vulnerable older adults suffering from neglect and abuse every year, and the problem shows no signs of abating. Abuse and neglect in nursing homes also go severely underreported.
Fortunately, you can help to prevent neglect, and you have both the law and many other agencies on your side to support you should you notice any of the following red flags:
An Unkempt Appearance
Nursing home staff should help all residents with basic personal hygiene (who are often unable to do it themselves) such as bathing, washing, getting dressed, changing pads, brushing hair and teeth, and providing clean clothing.
Failure to meet these standards can result in illnesses such as chronic skin conditions, parasitic infestations, and other infections that can quickly spread to other residents. Those with weakened immune systems are highly at risk of developing life-threatening conditions such as sepsis as a consequence of infection.
Poor Dental Care
Poor dental care can have fatal consequences in vulnerable older people. Appropriate dental care often gets overlooked in understaffed and overworked nursing homes. Poor dental care facilitates the process of infections, making it easier for bacteria to enter the body.
Sudden Changes in Personality
Additionally, sudden and unexplained changes to your loved one’s personality can indicate neglect. Being unusually withdrawn, depressed, anxious, or irritated can all point to concern for the quality of care the nursing home provides.
Because there are no obvious physical symptoms, it can be challenging to prove the impact of nursing home neglect on a person’s mental wellbeing. An Atlanta soiled clothes or other signs of poor hygiene lawyer will be able to investigate what went wrong and collect evidence to prove that the harm was caused by the negligence of the nursing care facility.
Nursing homes are legally obliged under the Nursing Home Reform Act to provide residents with a clean, safe, and sanitary living environment. Failing to provide this increases the occurrence and spread of infection, and puts the health of the residents at risk.
If you have concerns about the welfare of a loved one, call the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for a free consultation at no risk to you.
Poor Hygiene can be Fatal in Nursing Homes
When nursing homes fail in their legal duty to provide a clean and sanitary environment—a basic level of care that you would expect to be standard practice—infection, and bacteria can quickly breed and spread. This allows germs to prey on vulnerable nursing home residents, many of whom are already prone to illness due to pre-existing health conditions that have occurred naturally with age. The results are tragic, devastating, and often preventable.
If you suspect nursing home neglect, you can take action on behalf of your loved one to prevent or stop it, and there is help available to you. The Illinois Department on Aging provides support and has a 24-hour report abuse hotline.
An Atlanta soiled clothes or other signs of poor hygiene lawyer can help you to recover compensation on behalf of your family member for the physical or emotional damage they have suffered due to being neglected. This could also be helpful if you are concerned about the ongoing welfare of your loved one and think of moving them to another care home.
For a free legal consultation with a Atlanta Soiled Clothes or Other Signs of Poor Hygiene Lawyer serving Atlanta, call (800) 794-0444
Taking Legal Action
If you are worried about the standard of care your loved has received in a nursing home, and believe they are suffering from neglect, contact the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for a free case evaluation. We will listen to your concerns and advise you about your legal options.
We will work with you and help you to recover compensation for your family member for costs related to the nursing home neglect like:
- Past and future medical costs
- Rehabilitation costs
- Relocation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
This is not a full list of the compensation you may be entitled to through a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent parties. While this may not make up for the harm suffered by your loved one, it can help to ease the financial burden of relocation to another nursing care facility and medical costs. Talk to us today.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
