3 common injuries that can result from nursing home neglect

Ensuring that elderly relatives are cared for in the later stages of life is typically a top priority for their loved ones. Often, careful consideration is given to deciding which nursing home will be responsible for the needs of aging family members.

Unfortunately, even in nursing homes that appear optimal at first, negligence can still occur. Elderly people are especially susceptible to injuries, even in incidents that may be considered minor to the younger person. Outlined below are three common injuries that can result from nursing home neglect:

Broken bones

The bones of elderly individuals tend to be more brittle, making them susceptible to breaks and fractures. Broken hips are among the leading types of fractures among elderly people, with over 300,000 suffering from this injury every year.

Infections

Infections can have the potential to be fatal for elderly people and they are not uncommon in nursing home facilities. In fact, studies indicate that there are up to 2 million infections in nursing homes per year. Infections can vary in their severity, but conditions such as influenza, pneumonia and other respiratory infections present a significant threat to elderly people.

Bedsores

Bedsores can be extremely uncomfortable for elderly people. They typically result from being left in the same position for an extended period of time. During this time, the skin comes under undue pressure which can result in injury. Bedsores often present themselves on the individual’s heels, ankles, hips and tailbones.

Your elderly relatives have a right to be treated with dignity and respect in their place of residence. If you feel that a nursing home facility has been negligent in its care of your loved one, there may be legal options open to you.