Signs of Nursing Home Neglect in Kentucky

After you have moved your loved one to a nursing home, you should make frequent visits and be on the lookout for signs of nursing home neglect.

Specifically, you'll want to assess: 

• Personal hygiene - watch for soiled clothing or bedding or inadequate oral care. Soiled bedding and clothing-aside from being very uncomfortable and unpleasant for a patient-can contribute to skin breakdown, which leads to bedsores.
• Basic needs - make sure your loved one's nutritional needs are met and that they are provided with an appropriate amount of hydration, particularly if this is difficult for them to manage on their own. Signs of neglect include significant weight loss and exceptionally poor skin turgor. To test skin turgor, gently grasp the skin on your loved one's forearm or the back of their hand. If it is very slow to return back to normal, they are likely suffering from dehydration.
• Medical needs - if bedsores or minor cuts are not treated, they could lead to serious infections. Also, if your loved one's condition declines unexpectedly, inquire about their medication. Some nursing homes have been known to skimp on patient medication.
• Psychological needs - emotional neglect can be difficult to detect. If your loved one is being mistreated emotionally, signs could include depression, withdrawal from social activities and timid behavior. 

If you notice any of these signs in your loved one, you should share your concerns with the nursing home management. If the signs continue to persist, you should consult with a Kentucky nursing home neglect attorney, who may be able to help you file a claim for nursing home neglect. To learn more about nursing home neglect, please visit our article library. 

Contacting a Louisville Nursing Home Neglect Attorney

If your loved one has been the victim of nursing home neglect, a Louisville nursing home neglect attorney at Gray and White Law can help you handle every aspect of your nursing home neglect claim. If your loved one has been injured in Kentucky, contact us today for a free evaluation of your case - 1-800-634-8767 or 502-210-8942.