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The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is emotional and painful.

An elderly loved one can need the professional support and care provided by a facility, which is impossible to provide at home. We place trust in the nursing home we choose for a relative, only to be horrified to discover they have been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect. 

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What is Nursing Home Abuse?

According to Medicare, nursing home abuse is defined as the “willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or punishment with resulting physical harm, pain, or mental anguish.” If your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, the facility and all personnel involved must be held accountable for the harm they have caused.

What is Nursing Home Abuse?

According to Medicare, nursing home abuse is defined as the “willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or punishment with resulting physical harm, pain, or mental anguish.” If your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, the facility and all personnel involved must be held accountable for the harm they have caused.

What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?

If your loved one is a resident of one of Mississippi’s nursing homes, it is vital to be alert to the signs of abuse or neglect, which include the following:

  • Unexplained Injuries: A resident who develops bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures that nursing home staff or management cannot sufficiently explain.  
  • Poor Personal Hygiene: Residents look unclean, wear soiled clothing, have unwashed hair, or have an offensive odor.
  • Malnutrition or Dehydration: The resident has unexplained weight loss, dry, flaky skin, cracked lips, or complains that they are hungry or thirsty.
  • Sudden Behavioral Changes: Your relative appears fearful, anxious, depressed, or withdrawn.
  • Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers): A nursing home resident who has developed bedsores is likely a victim of neglect.
  • Over-Medication: A loved one who is constantly asleep, lethargic, groggy, or unresponsive may be a victim of over-medication by nursing home staff.
  • Unsanitary Conditions: Dirty or cluttered rooms, unclean bathrooms, dirty or stained bedding, or pest infestations.
  • Medical Errors: The residents of a nursing home are often on several medications that must be administered on a precise schedule. Nursing home staff or doctors may mismanage these medications with tragic consequences, such as hospitalization or death. 
  • Frequent Falls or Accidents: Recurring falls or injuries are often the result of a lack of supervision.
  • Signs of Overuse of Physical Restraints: A resident may have bruises or marks on wrists, ankles, or another body area, a symptom of the overuse of restraints.
  • Financial Exploitation: A resident’s accounts may show unexplained withdrawals, changes in the beneficiaries in a will, or missing valuable jewelry or other items. 
  • Verbal or Emotional Abuse: A resident who exhibits fear of specific care staff may be a victim of intimidation or other types of emotional abuse.
  • Isolation from Family: If any staff in a nursing home discourages visiting a loved one or when visiting, their relative is never available, it may be an indicator of abuse.
  • Unattended Medical Needs: Worsening of medical conditions, infections, or untreated wounds.
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Lawyer for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Cases in Mississippi

When you suspect or are aware that a loved one is a victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home, you need the help of a personal injury lawyer who can help you hold the negligent facility and personnel accountable for their actions. A claim or lawsuit can be filed, naming all negligent parties and seeking full compensation for all damages.

What to Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse in Mississippi?

If you believe your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you must take action immediately. The steps to take are as follows: 

  • Document Your Concerns: Keep a detailed record of the signs of abuse or neglect, including photos of injuries, descriptions of behavioral changes, or notes. This evidence can prove to be essential when legal action becomes necessary.
  • Report Your Concerns to Nursing Home Management: Report your concerns to the nursing home administrator or supervisor. Ask for an explanation and ask them to document your complaint in writing. 
  • Contact the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH): Nursing homes in Mississippi are regulated by the Division of Health Facilities Licensure and Certification. You can file a formal complaint by calling 1-800-227-7308 or visiting their website, which can trigger an investigation into the facility’s practices.
  • Ensure Your Loved One’s Immediate Safety: If your loved one is very ill or injured, call 911 or remove them from the facility and get treatment for their health and safety. 
  • File a Report with Adult Protective Services (APS): Mississippi’s APS program investigates cases of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. You can reach them through the Mississippi Department of Human Services at 1-844-437-6282.
  • Get Help From Our Mississippi Nursing Home Abuse Attorney: Protecting your loved one’s legal rights and holding the facility accountable is vital for the health and safety of your loved one and all residents. At ‘Maggio Law, we represent victims of nursing home abuse cases in Mississippi and can help you seek justice on behalf of your loved one.
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Reach out to ‘Maggio Law in Cases of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

When nursing homes fail to provide the care they promise, families in Mississippi have the right to hold them accountable. Contact ‘Maggio Law today for a free consultation. We can help you fight for the justice your loved one deserves.

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