Nursing home neglect or abuse: Family members often place their confidence and trust in a nursing home to care for an elderly relative.  All too often, nursing homes place their drive for profits above the needs and rights of residents.  State and federal law provide "residents' rights," which are typically those rights or guarantees given to nursing home residents.  Most cases against nursing homes stem from the facility's failure to provide appropriate health care and protective and supportive services.  These violations often result in serious physical injury and can contribute to an undignified existence for the elderly resident.  In some cases, the resident may actually suffer no physical injury at all, but because of the violation, the resident is deprived of general well being and his/her right to a dignified existence while residing in the nursing home.

                The lack of care can result in injuries such as pressure sores that appear on a resident's skin and can lead to infection, the need for surgery, or even death.  Appropriate nutrition and hydration are also essential for maintaining the health of an elderly nursing home resident.  In facilities that are understaffed, there is often a lack of attention given to dietary intake and poor nutritional status is common.  It is every resident's right to expect that he/she will be properly nourished and hydrated in light of his/her mental or physical difficulties that may prevent them from eating and drinking on their own.

                Although falls sometimes happen in nursing homes, oftentimes the facility fails to perform appropriate assessments of the resident to determine the risk of falling and fails to take appropriate steps to prevent further falls.  Sometimes, because of the frail condition of a nursing home resident, such falls can lead to serious injuries requiring life-threatening surgeries or can further diminish the resident's quality of life.  Other common problems are wandering, choking, and urinary tract infections.  Our elderly are entitled to a dignified existence and when a loved one is placed in a nursing home, he/she should expect not only the care that is paid for, but he/she should expect the degree of care that is appropriate for the well-being and dignity of the resident.