Nursing home abuse and neglect often lead to significant physical injuries and health complications. Some of the most common injuries that occur in Tampa area nursing homes include:
- Falls and Fractures: Many nursing home residents suffer broken bones or head injuries from falls. This can happen when staff fail to properly assist a resident, when walkers or wheelchairs aren’t provided, or when hazards like wet floors and poor lighting cause trips and slips. Hip fractures and broken hips are especially common and dangerous for elderly residents.
- Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers): Bedridden or immobile residents can develop pressure sores on their skin if they are not regularly repositioned and cared for. Bedsores often start small but can quickly become infected and lead to sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection. Advanced bedsores are a clear warning sign of neglect, as nursing homes are expected to prevent and promptly treat these wounds.
- Infections and Illnesses: Neglect of basic hygiene and medical care can cause severe infections. For example, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can develop in residents who are not kept clean or properly catheterized, and if untreated a UTI can progress to sepsis. Similarly, unsanitary conditions or failure to isolate sick patients can lead to contagious illnesses or worsening of existing health problems.
- Dehydration and Malnutrition: When a facility fails to provide adequate nutrition and hydration, residents may lose dangerous amounts of weight, become weak, or develop other health issues. Severe dehydration can cause organ failure or even death. Seeing signs of malnutrition or dehydration in a nursing home patient is often a red flag that they are being neglected.
- Wandering and Elopement Injuries: Some vulnerable residents – especially those with dementia or Alzheimer’s – might wander unsupervised (known as wandering) or even exit the facility (elopement) without staff noticing. An elderly person who wanders off can suffer serious injuries, such as getting hit by a car, falling outdoors, or exposure to extreme heat or cold. These incidents can be devastating and are entirely preventable with proper supervision and security.