Are You a Victim of Nursing Home Neglect in Atlanta? Your Rights Explained

When you entrust a nursing home with the care of your loved one, you expect them to provide a safe, nurturing environment with the proper attention and medical support. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect are a reality for many families in the Atlanta area. If you suspect your loved one is being neglected, it’s important to understand the warning signs, common issues in nursing homes, and the steps you can take to protect the rights of your vulnerable family member.

Nursing home neglect happens when a resident doesn’t receive the care and attention they need to maintain their health, safety, and well-being. While neglect isn’t always an intentional action, it can still have devastating consequences, including physical injuries, emotional harm, and even death.

Unlike outright abuse, neglect often stems from carelessness, understaffing, or poor management. Regardless of the cause, nursing homes are legally and ethically responsible for providing proper care to all residents.

Common issues in Atlanta nursing homes

A variety of issues can lead to nursing home neglect. However, some are especially prevalent:

• Many nursing homes in Atlanta struggle with a lack of qualified staff. When there aren’t enough caregivers to meet residents’ needs, some may go without necessary assistance, including help with eating, bathing, or moving.
• Lack of training. An improperly trained staff can result in improper care, like administering the wrong medication or failing to recognize the signs of declining health. This can cause serious harm to residents who rely on caregivers for their well-being.
• Poor maintenance. Neglect isn’t always about direct interactions with staff. It can also happen when the nursing home environment is unsafe or unsanitary. Broken equipment, unclean rooms, or unsafe walkways can contribute to accidents and health problems.
• Emotional neglect. Isolation and loneliness are common issues for nursing home residents. In some cases, staff might ignore a resident’s emotional needs, leaving them feeling abandoned.

What are the signs of nursing home neglect?

To protect your loved one, you should be able to recognize the signs of neglect. Here are some to watch for:

• Bruises, cuts, or fractures without a clear explanation could indicate neglect.
• Dirty clothes, unwashed hair, or a foul odor may suggest that your loved one is not receiving proper hygiene care.
• Weight loss or dehydration can be signs of malnutrition or a lack of assistance with eating and drinking.
• Pressure ulcers, or bedsores, may occur when a resident is left in one position for too long without proper care.
• Depression, anxiety, or withdrawal from social activities could indicate neglect.
• If the nursing home looks unclean or has pests, it’s a red flag for neglect on the part of management.

Why does nursing home neglect happen?

Neglect in Atlanta nursing homes often boils down to internal problems within the facility. Here are some common reasons neglect occurs:

• Some nursing homes cut corners to save money, resulting in inadequate staffing, outdated equipment, or insufficient training.
• Caregiver burnout and low pay often lead to high turnover rates. New and inexperienced staff may not have the skills or relationships to provide quality care.
• If management isn’t actively involved in day-to-day operations, neglect can go unnoticed for long periods.
• Further, in some facilities, neglect becomes part of the culture if staff feel undervalued, overworked, or unsupported by management.

What are my loved one’s rights in an Atlanta nursing home?

Residents of Atlanta nursing homes are protected under both state and federal laws. The Nursing Home Reform Act is a federal law that guarantees residents the right to receive adequate care and live in a safe environment. Some of these rights include:

• The right to be free from abuse and neglect.
• The right to receive proper medical care and treatment.
• The right to live in a clean, safe environment.
• The right to privacy and dignity.
• The right to report complaints without fear of retaliation.

When these rights are violated, you can take legal action to hold the nursing home accountable.

What should I do if I suspect neglect?

If you believe your loved one is a victim of neglect in an Atlanta nursing home, it’s important to take action quickly to protect their health and rights. Consider taking the following steps:

• Document everything. Keep detailed records of any signs of neglect you observe, like photos of injuries, dates of incidents, and conversations with staff. This documentation will be essential if you decide to pursue legal action.
• Speak to staff or management. Sometimes, neglect occurs due to miscommunication or oversight. You can start by addressing your concerns with the nursing home staff or management to see if the issue can be resolved.
• File a complaint. If the nursing home doesn’t take your concerns seriously, you can file a complaint with Georgia’s Department of Community Health. This organization investigates allegations of neglect and enforces nursing home regulations.
• Seek medical attention. If your loved one is injured or in poor health, make sure they receive proper medical care as soon as possible.
• Consult an Atlanta nursing home neglect attorney. The experienced attorneys at Harris Lowry Manton LLP can help you understand your legal options, gather evidence, and file a lawsuit if necessary. Legal action can help hold the facility accountable and provide compensation for your loved one’s suffering.

How can your Atlanta nursing home neglect attorneys help?

We understand that dealing with nursing home neglect can be an overwhelming process, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our skilled attorneys can:

• Investigate the neglect and gather evidence.
• Advocate for your loved one’s rights.
• Guide you through the legal system and file a lawsuit.
• Pursue compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Preventing neglect in the future

Once you secure your loved one’s immediate safety, it’s important to take steps to prevent neglect from happening again. This can include:

• Visiting the nursing home regularly to monitor conditions.
• Building relationships with staff to encourage better communication.
• Advocating for increased staffing and better training within the facility.

Nursing home neglect is a heartbreaking experience, but you have the power to protect your loved one and hold negligent facilities accountable. Don’t hesitate to take action if you suspect neglect in an Atlanta nursing home. Your loved one deserves care, respect, and dignity; we’re here to help make that happen.

Let us help you protect your loved one and ensure their safety. Please call or use our contact form to schedule a consultation at our offices in Atlanta or Savannah.