Nursing Home Neglect: What Families Need to Know

When you place a loved one in a nursing home, you trust the facility to provide compassionate and professional care. Unfortunately, many families discover too late that their loved one has been mistreated or neglected. Nursing home neglect is a serious issue that can cause devastating physical and emotional harm to vulnerable residents.

What Is Nursing Home Neglect?

Nursing home neglect occurs when staff members fail to provide proper care, resulting in harm or risk of harm to residents. Unlike abuse, which involves intentional harm, neglect often stems from inattention, understaffing, poor training, or lack of supervision. Regardless of intent, the consequences can be equally tragic.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), neglect is a form of elder mistreatment that includes the failure to meet basic needs such as food, hygiene, medical care, or protection from hazards.

Common Signs of Neglect

Family members are often the first to notice when something isn’t right. Warning signs may include:

• Unexplained injuries such as bruises, bedsores, or fractures
• Poor hygiene or soiled clothing and bedding
• Sudden weight loss or dehydration
• Changes in behavior, including withdrawal or fear around staff
• Untreated medical conditions
• Unsanitary living conditions

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) notes that signs of neglect can sometimes be subtle but should never be ignored.

Why Neglect Happens

Neglect often occurs when nursing homes cut corners. Common causes include:

• Understaffing – too few caregivers for too many residents
• Inadequate training – staff who aren’t properly educated on residents’ needs
• Lack of supervision – management failing to monitor daily care
• Corporate negligence – prioritizing profits over patient safety

Research from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that chronic understaffing and lax oversight remain major contributors to nursing home neglect nationwide.

What To Do If You Suspect Neglect

If you believe a loved one is being neglected, take the following steps:

1. Ensure immediate safety – move your loved one to a safe environment if necessary.
2. Document everything – take photos, keep notes, and save all medical records.
3. Report the neglect – contact the New York State Department of Health’s Nursing Home Complaint Hotline at 1-888-201-4563 or file a complaint online through the NYS Health Department.
4. Consult an attorney – an experienced nursing home neglect lawyer can investigate the situation, hold the facility accountable, and pursue compensation for your family’s pain and suffering.

The Bongiorno Law Firm Can Help

At The Bongiorno Law Firm, we’ve built a reputation for standing up for New York’s most vulnerable residents. Our team fights for families whose loved ones have suffered neglect or abuse in nursing homes, assisted living centers, or rehabilitation facilities. We handle the legal burden so you can focus on protecting your family.

We Care. We Fight. We Win.
If you suspect neglect, don’t wait.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 516-741-4170.