Identifying Nursing Home Neglect
The Residents’ Bill of Rights
The Nursing Home Reform Act (NHRA) of 1987 has created several provisions for the care of elders in nursing homes or a long-term care facility including the Residents’ Bill of Rights. If you believe your elder’s Residents’ Rights may have been violated, the nursing home abuse attorneys at Muller Brazil can provide you with legal advice on what to do next. According to the Residents’ Bill of Rights, your loved ones are entitled to:
- Freedom from abuse, mistreatment, neglect, and physical restraints
- Privacy
- Be treated with dignity
- Exercise self-determination
- Communicate freely
- Accommodation of medical, physical, psychological and social needs
- Participate in resident and family groups
- Participate in the review of one’s care plan
- Be fully informed in advance of any changes in care and treatment
Right to Dignity
& Proper Care
Overt abuse and neglect may be the most obvious concerns that come to mind when you think of nursing home neglect. But did you know that both Pennsylvania and Federal law recognize a resident’s right to personal dignity? Personal dignity relates to an elder’s sense of worthiness. At the core, treating an elder with dignity means providing for the person’s physical needs through individualized care and respecting their identity and integrity. Here are some ways that reputable nursing homes and assisted living facilities preserve an elder’s right to dignity:
- Individualized care
- Respecting a resident’s autonomy
- Advocating for the patient
- Sensitive listening
- Proper training for their employees
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of nursing home neglect or abuse? When do I know if an elderly person is in immediate danger?
The signs of neglect can be emotional, physical, medical or sexual abuse. Here are some of the most common symptoms of neglect:
- Bed sores
- Bruises or burns from physical abuse
- Malnutrition, weight loss or dehydration
- Recurring infections
- Over-medication
- Mismanaged health condition or medication error
- Poor hygiene
- Falling incident
- Changes in personality
- Sudden withdrawal from social activities
- Emotional distress or signs of psychological abuse
- Wrongful death
Who is liable for neglect? The nursing home or the employees?
Nursing homes are responsible for the care its employees give to residents. It’s the nursing home’s duty to enforce policies and ensure safe conditions for its residents. In the majority of cases, the nursing home is liable for neglect or the inadequate training of its employees. In some cases, nursing home neglect may be so egregious that it violates criminal law. In these instances, the employees may be criminally indicted by using an abuse lawyer.
Why Choose Muller Brazil?
Muller Brazil is a personal injury law firm with a human-centered approach. We care for our clients by providing consistent access to a lawyer (not just a paralegal) and open lines of communication so that you can understand your options and the best course of action to protect your loved ones.
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