What to do if you Suspect Neglect in a Health Care Facility

At Warren Law Firm, we have nothing but respect for health care workers, and appreciate their heroic efforts especially in recent times, but sometimes mistakes due happen, and bad apples fall through the cracks. It is important to be vigilant when it comes to suspecting neglect in a health care or retirement facility. 

What is neglect?

Neglect is the failure to provide for the basic needs of a patient. This can include things like:

• • Not providing enough food or water
  • Not providing proper hygiene care
  • Not providing medication as needed
  • Not providing adequate supervision
  • Failing to report injuries or illnesses

What are the signs of neglect?

There are a number of signs that may indicate that a patient is being neglected. These include:

• • Unexplained weight loss or gain
  • Dehydration
  • Poor hygiene
  • Bedsores
  • Unhealed wounds
  • Unexplained injuries
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Depression or anxiety

What should I do if I suspect neglect?

Document your observations. Keep a record of the signs of neglect that you have observed. This could include dates, times, and descriptions of what you saw or heard.

Report your concerns to the facility. Most health care facilities have a process for reporting suspected neglect. You can usually find this information in the facility’s patient handbook or by asking a staff member.

Report your concerns to the appropriate authorities. If you believe that the neglect is serious or if you are not satisfied with the facility’s response, you should report your concerns to the state agency that licenses and regulates health care facilities. You can also file a complaint with the federal government.

What can I do to protect patients from neglect?

Visit your loved ones often. This will give you the opportunity to observe their condition and report any concerns to staff.

Talk to your loved ones about their care. Ask them if they are happy with the care they are receiving and if they have any concerns.

Get involved in the facility’s quality improvement efforts. Many facilities have committees or councils that are open to patient and family input.

Educate yourself about your rights and the rights of patients. There are a number of resources available to help you learn about your rights as a patient or family member.

Remember, you are your loved one’s advocate. If you suspect neglect, it is important to speak up. By taking action, you can help protect your loved one from harm.

The information in this blog post is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice.

If you have questions about your legal rights, you should consult with our Attorney Mike Warren. who is an expert dealing with medical malpractice issues in Southern Ohio.

Special thanks to @nanichavez for the featured image!