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A Fort Myers nursing home abuse attorney says the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) reports that roughly 95 percent of nursing home residents have been neglected. When nursing home staff and other responsible individuals fail to provide adequate care, serious consequences, including death, can occur. This inadequate care also includes senior self-neglect. Self-neglect occurs when a senior loses the ability to perform adequate self-care but does not get assistance from a caregiver, according to a Fort Myers nursing home abuse attorney.

 Nursing Home Neglect Facts:

• The National Center for Victims of Crime reported 15.3 percent of elder abuse complaints are for negligence. 

• Nearly 1 out of 10 nursing homes had violations that caused residents harm, serious injury, or placed them at risk of death, according to the NCEA.

Three Main Causes of Nursing Home Neglect:

1. Understaffing: Nursing facilities may not have enough staff to properly care for their senior population. It is the legal responsibility of all nursing facilities to have the correct number of staff at all times to handle their senior residents. When employees feel overburdened, they experience increased stress, exhaustion, and a lack of time to properly handle the needs of the senior population. 

2. Negligent hiring: Nursing homes are required to follow a thorough screening process when hiring and to not hire any individuals with criminal backgrounds or bad performance during past employments. All those working with senior residents should have criminal background checks and certifications for the jobs they are to perform. 

3. Inadequate training: Training is the responsibility of nursing home administrative staff. Anyone taking care of seniors should be properly trained for their roles and periodically checked by their supervisors. If not, they may slip into patterns of neglect, make medication mistakes, mishandle frail seniors or residents with mobility issues, and make other mistakes that can lead to negligent care.

Common Signs of Neglect:

• Poor senior hygiene: Brushing teeth, bathing, and combing hair can be difficult for seniors and becomes the responsibility of the nursing home staff. 

• Inadequate nutrition: The signs of inadequate nutrition can be constant tiredness, complaints of being cold, irritability, and hair loss. These seniors may be dehydrated and malnourished because they are not receiving meals or drinks in a timely manner. 

• Loss or a lack of mobility: A senior is neglected and can lose mobility if he/she is left sitting or in bed for long periods of time. Nursing homes should build in policies and programs to keep seniors as mobile as possible. 

• Unexplained injuries: Seniors tend to fall more frequently, especially when they try to help themselves. If staff members are negligent, they are less likely to catch, report, or prevent injuries. 

• Unsanitary living conditions: Nursing homes are required to provide clean clothing, bedding, rooms, and living areas. The facilities should be free of pests and mold. 

• Psychological problems: Neglect can cause senior depression, fear of caretakers, a reluctance to be open with staff, and/or resentment and anger. They may also distance themselves from family and friends. 

“Should you or a loved one be injured because of the negligence of a nursing home, please contact our experienced legal team. We are available to assist you 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees until we get a monetary recovery for you,” said Fort Myers Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Fort Myers Nursing Home Abuse Attorney  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%) of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact  Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.