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Dallas Nursing Home Abandonment Lawyer

Abandonment, when used in the context of a nursing home facility, is a general term that is linked with nursing home neglect, a form of abuse.

Nursing homes have a duty and obligation to monitor its patients on a regular basis. Residents are in nursing homes for a reason: they are incapable of performing activities of daily living for themselves. They need constant attention by trained professionals. In addition to abandoning a patient and not providing appropriate monitoring in a nursing home, deserting an elderly patient or leaving a patient unattended in a public or private place can be seen as willful abandonment.

How prevalent is elderly abuse, abandonment and elopement?

According to some studies, approximately one to two million people are injured or neglected by nursing home staff year in and year out. Moreover, one out of every 25 residents is being financially exploited by nursing home care givers. The National Center for Elderly Abuse reports that more than 470,000 cases of abuse or abandonment are reported yearly.

No doubt, nursing homes underpay and over work their nursing home employees. Nursing home aides and nurse assistants work long hours – some in excess of 16 hours per day – under the threat of termination and license revocation from their employer. While stress and being tired is no excuse for patient or resident abandonment, nursing home owners and operators have a duty and responsibility to ensure that adequate staff is employed and are properly trained to care for its residents.

Abandonment can have significant effects on a patient. When a resident is not monitored properly, a resident may suffer from complications related to his disease process.

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Signs and symptoms of bad nursing home care.

Signs and symptoms that you should recognize as potential complications that your loved is not receiving the level of care that may required include the following:

Get help today.

If you or your loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home, you need to contact an experienced nursing home lawyer immediately. Rasansky | McKenzie Law handles nursing home abandonment and neglect cases across Texas and the United States.

The experienced Dallas nursing home abuse lawyers at Rasansky | McKenzie Law have the resources to help guide you through the process of your nursing home case; answer your questions and work to help you achieve results that will try to ensure that this type of behavior does not happen again. Call us today for a Free Consultation and put our experience to work for you immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out if a nursing home is good or bad?

There isn’t a definitive list of “good” or “bad” nursing homes, but you can make better decisions if you do some educated snooping and make proper use the information that’s available.  You should visit any home you’re considering so you can see for yourself where your father might live.

  • Does the facility seem clean and well organized?
  • Is the staff responsive?
  • Search the Internet for articles, forums or information from past/present residents and family about the facility.
  • Take notes and ask for copies of written policies concerning patient care.

You should also contact the Texas Department of Human Services (1-800-458-9858) to check state survey reports.  Every nursing home in the state is inspected annually, and the TDHS can tell you whether the home you’re considering has violated state or federal standards

What are the warning signs that a nursing home may be unsafe?

When considering a Texas nursing home for your elder loved one, it can sometimes be difficult to look past the sales pitch and see the warning signs of nursing home abuse and neglect.

When touring a nursing home, be on the lookout for these warning signs:

  • Unclean sheets, floors, or bathrooms.
  • Unwelcoming staff members or administrators.
  • Strong odors – either of urine or of strong cleaners.
  • Evidence of restraint use, such as straps, vests, and wheelchair restraints.
  • A low number of staffers on the floor.
  • A low number of residents out and about (or a high number of residents medicated and in bed).
  • A lack of safety features, such as grab bars and slip-resistant pads.
  • Nursing home residents that are not well groomed.
  • Uneaten food or unappetizing food.
  • Dark hallways and undecorated rooms.

When touring a nursing home, ask to see an occupied room and to meet a resident or two. Visit unannounced and during a meal for the most accurate observations.
If you believe you have a Dallas nursing home abuse case, call Rasansky | McKenzie Law today to speak with a Texas nursing home neglect attorney.

How do I find a safe nursing home?

There is no sure way to find a nursing home unless you can personally vouch for the quality of care from a personal and intricate inspection of the home. Make an effort to visit the facility several times and at different times of the day. Pay close attention to how the staff behaves when dealing with patients. Observe the residents and take note if they seem happy or uptight. Examine the nursing home itself and determine whether it looks and smells clean, and if the patients are likewise well-groomed. For further assistance, ask a family member or friend for a recommendation or use an established nursing home finder service.

What are the warning signs of abuse?

If you suspect nursing home abuse, then start looking for physical evidence. Examine your relative’s body and look for broken bones, cuts, scars or sores. If you see evidence of physical abuse ask the patient what happened. Remember, the patient might not admit the abuse at first. If necessary, talk to staff members of the home, the staff supervisor or the attending physician. You even have the right to see the patient’s medical chart. For signs of neglect, carefully inspect the patient’s body and note if the resident seems dirty or malnourished. Make sure the patient’s room is clean. Take note of any signs of depression or drastic changes in the resident’s typical behavior.

What are the warning signs of sexual abuse in a nursing home?

Though shocking, sexual nursing home abuse is a reality for far too many seniors in TX adult care programs. Unfortunately, elders often have difficultly communicating their abuse to others. What are the signs of sexual abuse in a nursing home?

  • The appearance of sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Your loved one has a fear of certain nursing home staffers or residents.
  • Your loved one becomes suddenly withdrawn or depressed.
  • Your loved one suddenly has trouble walking or complains of pain in the genital area.
  • Your loved one has bruising on their thighs, buttocks, or breasts.

What are the warning signs of nursing home neglect?

If you have an elder loved one living in a Texas nursing home or adult care center, it is vital that you are familiar with the signs of nursing home neglect:

  • Bedsores or pressure sores.
  • Frozen joints – your loved one is not often moved from bed or turned.
  • Over medication – your loved one seems drugged or vacant.
  • Unnecessary restraints.
  • Malnutrition and weight loss.
  • Dehydration and thirst.
  • Long waits before being able to visit your loved one.
  • Dirty clothing or bed sheets.
  • An unclean or unsanitary environment.
  • A sudden change in your loved one’s demeanor.
  • Unkempt appearance – such as tangled hair or dirty fingernails.
  • Signs of feces or urine on your loved one’s bed or clothes.

Speak With a Dallas Nursing Home Abuse Attorney For Free

The attorneys at Rasansky | McKenzie Law are happy to speak to you about your potential case free of charge. If we can help with your claim, we’ll do so for no out-of-pocket cost to you. Call us 24/7 at (214) 651-6100.

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