Finding out that your loved one received subpar care at a nursing home is bad enough, but in some cases, residents are ignored by staff or even physically and emotionally abused by the people who are supposed to care for them.
Nursing home abuse and neglect aren’t just violations of your trust and your loved one’s rights–they’re also violations of state law. All nursing home residents in the state of Indiana are protected by a patient bill of rights, which includes the right to be free of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and seclusion, among many other rights.
At Stewart & Stewart, we’ve helped many abused and neglected nursing home residents and their families get compensation for what they’ve gone through, and we know that there are two common factors in many of those cases:
- Understaffing – Nursing homes may have hundreds of residents at any given time, all of whom need close supervision and frequent medical attention. To meet that demand, nursing homes must staff dozens of healthcare professionals. But some facilities try to save money by understaffing and stretching employees too thin, rendering patient care ineffective and even neglectful.
- Lack of background checks – It’s vital that employees who work in nursing homes and play a role in the health and well-being of residents be trustworthy and competent. Background checks can help nursing home facilities find the best candidates for the job, but this step may be skipped to fast-track hires to fill open positions—creating the potential for neglect and abuse.
If you suspect your loved one isn’t receiving proper care at their nursing home facility, get in touch with our Indiana nursing home abuse attorneys. We may be able to help prove abuse or neglect to maximize your chances of getting compensation for your loved one. Call today for a free consultation.