Of the just over 60 certified nursing facilities located in the State of Nevada, the majority exist in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, housing thousands of seniors in need of full-time care.
With nearly 1.5 million residents living in nursing homes across the country, it is important that friends and family members understand their roles in identifying nursing home abuse to ensure that not only their loved one is living in a safe environment, but that everyone who is at the mercy of the assisted living community’s care is also safe.
At Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen, our Las Vegas nursing home abuse attorneys have a few tips on spotting dangerous conditions, and how to hold the negligent parties accountable for violating their duty to provide the proper care and safe conditions all seniors deserve.
Visually Survey the Las Vegas Nursing Home for Dangerous Conditions
Nursing home visitors often keep their heads down and walk directly to their loved ones’ rooms, avoiding contact with other residents out of respect for their privacy.
However, simply taking a look around common areas like the lobby, cafeteria, and hallways can tell visitors a lot about the overall condition of the facility.
Further inspection of your loved one’s room, including the bedding and sheets, clothing, and overall environment can speak volumes about the cleanliness and care they are receiving.
If you have questions about items that are in the hallways or concerns about your loved one’s safety, do not be afraid to ask the staff about it. Be sure to document the conditions, the date and time, and the name of the caregiver or administrator you spoke to about your concerns.
Listen to Your Loved One & Any Other Residents Who Have Complaints About the Facility
Typically, nursing home residents are made up of individuals who are part of our aging community.
With age and illnesses can come confusion, which makes it easier to brush off comments they make about their living conditions, the staff, or their doctors. Don’t.
While some comments may be harmless, others can uncover negligent behavior that exists throughout the nursing home.
Ask your loved ones about:
- How often their rooms are cleaned
- When they are bathed and changed
- Who responds when they ring for help, and how long it takes for them to arrive
- How they are treated by the staff
- Unexplained injuries, bruises, medical exams, or doctor visits
- Why they are sad, depressed, or emotional, when applicable
Each of their answers can provide insight into the facility’s operations and may highlight negligent circumstances or behavior from the staff or medical providers.
Speak to Our Experienced Las Vegas Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys at Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen Today
It is perfectly reasonable to alert the staff of any shortcomings your loved one is experiencing, especially if they are missing medicine doses or are visually unhappy with one of the staff members. After all, this is someone you love, and you want what is best for them.
If you believe that your loved one is being subjected to nursing home negligence or abuse, contact our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen at (702) 505-8115 today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your concerns, rights, and options in holding the facility responsible for their negligence.