Placing a loved one in a nursing home is a deeply personal and often difficult decision. You trust that the facility will provide the care, dignity, and safety your family member deserves. Unfortunately, that trust can sometimes be broken. At the Halperin Law Center, we work with families throughout Virginia who have discovered that their loved ones were victims of nursing home neglect, sometimes after months of suffering in silence. Recognizing the warning signs early is critical to protecting your loved one and holding negligent facilities accountable.
Understanding What Nursing Home Neglect Looks Like
Nursing home neglect isn’t always loud or obvious. It’s not necessarily a single act of abuse, but rather it could be a failure to provide proper care and attention over time. These failures could involve ignoring basic hygiene, failing to respond to medical needs, or failing to provide prescribed medications. Unlike active abuse, neglect can be more difficult to identify, especially when nursing home staff provide vague or evasive answers about a resident’s condition.
You may notice subtle signs first: your loved one seems withdrawn, unusually quiet, or fearful. You may notice unexplained bruises, bed sores, or weight loss. Perhaps medications are missed or meals go uneaten. These are all potential red flags. Neglect can take many forms, including emotional neglect, medical neglect, and failure to protect residents from harm or injury.
The truth is, no one knows your loved one better than you. If something feels off, it’s important to trust your instincts and look deeper. Families who regularly visit and stay involved in their loved one’s care are often the first to notice when something isn’t right.
What to Do If You Suspect Neglect
If you suspect nursing home neglect, start documenting everything. Take photographs of any visible injuries, living conditions, or other aspects that raise concerns. Write down dates, times, and what was said or observed during visits. Speak with the staff and ask questions, making notes of who you spoke to. If their answers are vague or defensive, that’s a sign that further investigation may be needed.
You can also report your concerns to the Virginia Department of Health or Adult Protective Services. These agencies can initiate inspections or investigations into the facility. However, if you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, don’t hesitate to remove them from the facility and call 911 if necessary.
Once the immediate situation is under control, it’s essential to speak with an attorney who has specific experience with nursing home neglect cases. At the Halperin Law Center, we know how to investigate these claims, gather critical evidence, and hold nursing homes accountable for their failures. We understand the laws and standards these facilities are required to follow, and we fight for justice on behalf of families who have been wronged.
Your Loved One Deserves Better
Nursing home residents have the right to live in a safe and healthy environment. Whether your loved one has suffered injuries, illness, or even a preventable death, you and your family have the right to seek justice.
At the Halperin Law Center, we are here to be your family’s advocate. If you believe your loved one is being neglected in a nursing home or long-term care facility, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your legal options and work to ensure that your family is protected and that those responsible are held accountable.
