In the coming years, as individuals of the baby boomer generation continue to age, many adult children and family members will be forced to make decisions and arrangements with regard to the care and living situations of aging parents and relatives. For a significant percentage of families, a skilled nursing home facility will be the best option to provide for an aging and ailing loved one’s safety and care.

While nursing homes often boast about the exceptional level of care provided to residents, some fail to adequately deliver on these claims and promises. Understaffing, inadequate training, an unsafe premise and procedural and enforcement failures are just a few of the problems that plague many nursing homes and frequently result in residents being neglected and suffering injury.

In cases where family members notice a marked diminishment in a nursing home resident’s physical or mental health and wellbeing, it’s wise to investigate whether he or she may be the victim of neglect or abuse. A resident may be able to alert loved ones about such acts or warning signs of possible neglect or abuse may include bedsores, bruises, fall injuries, dirty or soiled clothing, malnourishment and dehydration.

If family members have reason to suspect or believe that a nursing home resident is the victim of neglect or abuse it’s important to document any and all incidences and evidence. An attorney who handles personal injury matters related to nursing home negligence can assist is investigating, filing and pursing a claim to recover damages related to injuries or wrongful death.

Source: FindLaw.com, “Nursing Home Abuse Claims,” May 29, 2015