Types of Neglect
Due to the amount of care and attention that nursing home residents need, neglect can take several forms.
Basic Needs
A good quality of life begins with the fulfillment of a person’s basic needs: food, clothing, and shelter.
Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs), more commonly known as nursing homes, often face negligence lawsuits because of the complex nature of the care they provide. Caregiving for residents in these facilities is typically for a longer term than for patients in hospitals, and nurses must be attentive to the needs of residents who may not be able to care for themselves.
This kind of neglect is often tied to elder abuse, and it is shockingly common. The National Center on Elder Abuse reports that in a survey of 2,000 nursing home residents, 95% said that they had witnessed neglect or been victim to it themselves. That is not the standard of care.
In response to COVID-19, many nursing homes have closed to the public and isolated their residents in order to prevent the spread of the virus. However, many fear that this will limit oversight from loved ones andwill increase the amount of abuse and neglect that residents suffer.
Many concerned family members may investigate suspected neglect by observation and talking with the resident, but that isn’t enough for a court. A medical expert witness can explain the standard of care and what a competent medical team should have done in a given situation.
Due to the amount of care and attention that nursing home residents need, neglect can take several forms.
A good quality of life begins with the fulfillment of a person’s basic needs: food, clothing, and shelter.
Residents of skilled nursing facilities should be provided with well-balanced meals and nutritional support that promotes their health. This includes personalized attention and assistance for those who cannot feed themselves and those who do not have the mental capacity to make wise choices regarding their nutrition.
Many residents of care facilities do not have the physical dexterity necessary to dress themselves. Still, they must be provided with clothing that is suitable for the time of day and season. In some cases, this means adaptive clothing that makes it easier to dress. Residents should not be left in nightclothes or hospital gowns.
Residents of skilled nursing facilities should be provided with well-balanced meals and nutritional support that promotes their health. This includes personalized attention and assistance for those who cannot feed themselves and those who do not have the mental capacity to make wise choices regarding their nutrition.
Government mandates have shut down many businesses, and many business owners believe they are entitled to insurance compensation for the income loss.
Residents should have regular access to a doctor’s care and all the medical treatments they need to ensure a good quality of life. Nurses must administer those treatments and prescribed medications properly. The development of bedsores is an indication of possible neglect in this area.
Many underlying medical conditions make it difficult for residents to maintain good personal hygiene themselves. A lack of good hygiene can lead to further medical issues, as well as negatively impact a person’s self-esteem. Nursing homes must provide adequate support for residents’ activities of daily living.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Residents who are frequently left alone or isolated without social interaction or activities are at high risk of depression. Nurses should also treat residents kindly in regards to how they speak to and interact with them.
If you’re representing a client in this type of lawsuit, you’ll need nursing expert witness services. At Reliable Clinical Experts, you can count on us to provide you with a nursing expert witness who will put you in the best position to win your case.
All our medical experts have degrees from respected institutions and are enjoying active practice. Additionally, they are adept at translating complex medical jargon into explanations that can easily be understood by clients and juries.
If you’re representing a client in this type of lawsuit, you’ll need nursing expert witness services. At Reliable Clinical Experts, you can count on us to provide you with a nursing expert witness who will put you in the best position to win your case.
We have more than 30 years of experience in the field of malpractice litigation, so we know what it takes for you to succeed.
Each one of our nursing consultants is:
All our medical experts have degrees from respected institutions and are enjoying active practice. Additionally, they are adept at translating complex medical jargon into explanations that can easily be understood by clients and juries.
You can count on Reliable Clinical Experts for thorough and prompt handling of your case. We have a 3-step process to maximize efficiency while ensuring excellent quality:
In this way, you’ll be prepared to strategize your approach to the case moving forward, and have an expert witness to support your client if you go to trial.
For a nursing home expert witness, contact us today!
Don’t waste your trial funds on a consultation with a high initial case review rate just to find no evidence of medical negligence. Let Reliable Clinical Experts closely examine the merit of your case for a low-cost consultation. Schedule an appointment with our medical experts today. Learn more about how we can help with your legal issues by giving us a call.
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