What Is Considered Neglect in a Georgia Nursing Home?

Georgia nursing home neglect occurs when a resident doesn’t receive the necessary care to maintain their physical and mental health, leading to harm or the risk of harm. Neglect includes failing to provide adequate food, hydration, medical care, or personal hygiene, among other essential services. 

What Is the Difference Between Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?

Nursing home abuse and neglect are both forms of mistreatment that occur within nursing facilities but differ in their intent and how they occur.

Abuse is an intentional act that causes harm, such as physical assault, emotional manipulation, or financial exploitation. Neglect, on the other hand, is the failure to provide necessary care, often due to understaffing, inadequate training, or lack of resources, which harms the resident.

While abuse is a deliberate act, neglect can sometimes be unintentional. Neglect may be the result of an individual staff member’s negligence or the result of systemic issues within the nursing home. Both the staff member and the facility could be liable in instances of neglect.

What Are Common Types of Nursing Home Neglect?

Some of the most common types of nursing home neglect include:

• Medical Neglect – This occurs when a nursing home fails to provide adequate medical care. Examples include failing to administer prescribed medications, neglecting to treat illnesses or infections, or not providing necessary medical equipment. Untreated medical conditions can lead to severe health complications or even death.
• Neglect of Basic Needs – Residents require adequate food, water, and shelter to survive. Failing to provide these essentials can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and poor living conditions, which significantly increase the risk of illness and other complications.
• Personal Hygiene Neglect – Some residents require assistance with daily hygiene activities, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. Poor personal hygiene can result in infections, skin conditions, and decreased overall health.
• Emotional or Social Neglect – Emotional neglect happens when staff members ignore residents, leave them isolated, or deprive them of social interaction and mental stimulation. This neglect can lead to depression, anxiety, and declining mental health.
• Neglect Leading to Bedsores – Also known as pressure ulcers, bedsores develop when a resident stays in the same position for too long without being turned or moved. These painful sores can become infected and lead to severe medical complications.

What Are Warning Signs of Neglect in a Georgia Nursing Home?

Recognizing the warning signs of neglect is crucial for protecting your loved one in a Georgia nursing home. Common signs of neglect include:

• Unexplained Weight Loss – Sudden or significant weight loss may indicate your loved one isn’t receiving the nutrition or hydration they need.
• Frequent Infections – Recurring infections could indicate that your loved one isn’t receiving necessary medical care.
• Poor Personal Hygiene – Dirty clothing, unwashed hair, and a messy appearance may signal that nursing home staff aren’t meeting your loved one’s personal hygiene needs.
• Bedsores – Bedsores are a clear indication of neglect, as they result from a lack of proper repositioning and care.
• Emotional Withdrawal – If you notice your loved one becoming withdrawn, anxious, or depressed, they may be experiencing emotional neglect from nursing home staff.
• Unsanitary Living Conditions – Nursing homes that are dirty, cluttered, or in disrepair may be neglecting the basic needs of their residents.

If you notice any of the above warning signs, you should speak to a nursing home abuse and neglect attorney. They can assist you in gathering evidence and providing legal advice.

What Can You Do to Help Stop Nursing Home Neglect?

If you suspect your loved one is facing neglect in a Georgia nursing home, there are several steps you can take to protect them. Some of these steps include:

• Document Evidence – Write down any time you notice signs of neglect, take photographs of injuries, sores, and poor living conditions, request copies of medical records, and speak to other residents and their family members who may have witnessed the neglect.
• Speak with Nursing Home Staff – Speak to staff or the nursing home’s administration about your concerns. If the neglect is due to a single employee’s actions, the facility may remove the employee and make sure your loved one receives the care they need.
• Visit Frequently – Regular visits allow you to monitor your loved one’s condition and spot any signs of neglect.
• Involve Authorities – If you have proof of neglect, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the Georgia Department of Community Health.
• Hire an Attorney – An attorney can assist you in filing a personal injury claim against the nursing home on behalf of your loved one, holding the responsible parties financially accountable for their suffering.

How Do You Report Georgia Nursing Home Neglect?

Reporting nursing home neglect is critical in ensuring your loved one receives the care they need. Some of the ways you can report neglect include:

• Contact the Georgia Department of Community Health – You can file a complaint with the Georgia DCH, which oversees nursing homes in the state. DCH will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action if it finds any violations.
• Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – The Ombudsman Program advocates for nursing home residents’ rights and can assist with investigating and addressing complaints and resolving issues related to neglect.
• Notify Local Law Enforcement – If the neglect leads to injury or is life-threatening, contact local police to report the situation immediately.

Contact a Georgia Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer

If you suspect your loved one is experiencing neglect or abuse in a Georgia nursing home, it’s essential to take immediate action to protect their health and safety. At Spiva Law Group, we can provide the legal support you need to protect your loved one. Our experienced attorneys can help you gather evidence, report the neglect to the proper departments, and pursue a legal claim against the facility that caused your loved one harm.

Contact our law office today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. You’ll learn how we can assist you in stopping nursing home neglect and recovering the compensation your loved one deserves.