[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/what-is-considered-nursing-home-neglect\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/what-is-considered-nursing-home-neglect\/","headline":"What Is Considered Nursing Home Neglect in Alabama?","name":"What Is Considered Nursing Home Neglect in Alabama?","description":"Nursing home neglect is an intentional or unintentional failure to provide nursing home residents with a reasonable standard of care that keeps them free from harm. It is basically the inadequate care of residents. Nursing homes and long-term care facilities in Alabama are entrusted with the health and...","datePublished":"2021-03-18","dateModified":"2026-03-25","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/author\/dothanalabamalawyer\/#Person","name":"Aaron Gartlan","url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/author\/dothanalabamalawyer\/","identifier":6,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3d2cf6b9fa253242e9c4d79550a007842dd4738da75634f31cb576c537fb5159?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3d2cf6b9fa253242e9c4d79550a007842dd4738da75634f31cb576c537fb5159?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Gartlan Injury law","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Gartlan-Logo-3Color-Horizontal-NoBackground-2.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Gartlan-Logo-3Color-Horizontal-NoBackground-2.svg","width":0,"height":0}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/sad-senior.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/sad-senior.jpg","height":667,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/what-is-considered-nursing-home-neglect\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=13WYXozgy_E#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=13WYXozgy_E","name":"Dothan Personal Injury Lawyer - Key To Success","description":"http:\/\/www.dothanalabamalawyer.com  Dothan, Alabama personal injury lawyer Aaron Gartlan tells you the keys to success in dealing with personal injury cases.  You can bet the big and powerful insurance company is working against you.  You can stand up to big powerful interests.  Check out the Hogg & Gartlan website for more information on dealing with personal injury, accident and wrongful death cases.  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It is basically the inadequate care of residents.Nursing homes and long-term care facilities in Alabama are entrusted with the health and welfare of patients. They are required to provide medical care, nutrition, and basic everyday care to residents. When they ignore their obligations or fail to provide adequate care, and a nursing home resident suffers as a result, they have neglected their legal duty and may be held legally liable.Nursing home abuse doesn\u2019t always involve physical violence. Failure to provide medical care, nutrition, social interactions, and basic hygiene needs can all be considered forms of neglect or abuse.Estimates by the\u00a0World Health Organization\u00a0suggest that at least 4.2 percent of older adults in a community setting are victims of neglect. Unfortunately, since many cases go unreported, those statistics could be much higher.Neglect can take a significant physical and emotional toll on elderly nursing home residents. It can lead to infections, depression, the worsening of current medical conditions, and even death. However, the signs of nursing home neglect are often overlooked, leaving older nursing home residents stuck in a cycle of abuse.Recognizing the signs of neglect is critical, but acting on your suspicion is even more important. If you have reason to believe that your loved one may be suffering neglect at the hands of a caregiver or nursing home or assisted living facility in the Dothan, Alabama area,\u00a0contact\u00a0Gartlan Injury Law today. Our Dothan\u00a0Alabama nursing home abuse lawyers have the experience and the resources to investigate your case and hold those responsible for the neglect accountable.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow Does Nursing Home Neglect Differ From Nursing Home Abuse?The words abuse and neglect are often used interchangeably when it comes to the mistreatment of elderly nursing home residents. However, there are several important distinctions that need to be drawn between the two terms, because they do not describe the same types of hurtful acts.Abuse is generally defined as an intentional act that results in harm or serious risk to a resident. These intentional acts can take the form of physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, or financial abuse.\u00a0Physical abuse is an intentional act that could involve striking a patient to hurt them.Neglect is the result of a caregiver\u2019s failure to meet the nursing home resident\u2019s basic needs. A caregiver may choose to ignore the needs of a resident, or the caregiver may be so poorly trained or overwhelmed by the number of patients he or she is handling that they neglect the needs of a resident.What Are Types of Nursing Home Neglect in Alabama?Nursing home neglect can take several forms. The most common types of nursing home neglect include:Medical NeglectA caregiver may intentionally or unintentionally disregard an elderly residents\u2019 medical needs. This can include:Failing to administer or deliver medicationsFailing to routinely reposition patients with mobility issuesFailing to recognize the signs of illnessFailing to recognize the signs of infectionImproper wound careImproper care of existing health problems or conditionsSocial and Emotional NeglectSocial and emotional stimulation is extremely important for elderly nursing home residents, especially those with cognitive conditions. Having the support of friends and interacting with other residents contributes greatly to a resident\u2019s overall health and well-being. Examples of social and emotional neglect include:Isolating residentsFailing to provide residents with mobility devices so they can join othersRefusing to allow residents to interact with othersIgnoring requests for assistanceIgnoring requests to participate in activitiesBasic Needs NeglectThe neglect of basic needs happens when a caregiver fails to provide residents with basic quality of life essentials. These are things that are both basic and necessary to living a functional life. The neglect of basic living needs may include:Failing to provide foodFailing to provide waterFailing to provide clean clothingFailing to provide clean beddingFailing to clean a resident\u2019s room or living areaNot properly bathing a resident or providing the resident with bathing toolsFailing to brush a resident\u2019s teeth or provide them with dental careFailing to brush, comb, or wash a resident\u2019s hairWhat Are Signs of Nursing Home Neglect?With so many forms of nursing home neglect, the warning signs can be varied. It is crucial for friends and loved ones to be aware of the signs and symptoms of nursing home neglect. Family members are the first line of defense to protect those who need help.Unfortunately, those who suffer from serious neglect may not have the ability to report the abuse, or they may fear the repercussions they might face from a caregiver if they choose to speak up.Some of the common warning signs of nursing home neglect include:MalnutritionDehydrationBedsoresUnexplained bruises, cuts, or broken bonesMultiple falls or unexplained fallsPoor hygieneSoiled linens or clothing that hasn\u2019t been changedInsomniaChanges in mood or personalitySudden withdrawalChanges in mobility What to Do If Your Loved One Is Suffering from Nursing Home Neglect in Alabama?Nursing home patients and residents may lack the cognitive or physical ability to report neglectful behavior. Some residents may feel intimidated by a caregiver and fear retaliation if they report the caregiver\u2019s abusive behavior. For these reasons, it is crucial for friends and family members to take a stand on behalf of their loved ones.If you suspect elder abuse or neglect is taking place in a nursing home or assisted living facility in Dothan, you should\u00a0contact\u00a0the team at Gartlan Injury Law for help. Talk to us about your suspicions and let us conduct a thorough review of your claims and explain your legal options. Don\u2019t let the suffering continue. Reach out to a nursing home neglect lawyer for help today.Visit Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit Law Offices"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What Is Considered Nursing Home Neglect in Alabama?","item":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/what-is-considered-nursing-home-neglect\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]