Neglect in Nursing Homes: What Families Need to Know

When your loved one enters a nursing home, you expect their basic needs — food, water, hygiene, movement, supervision — to be met regularly. When they’re left unattended, become dehydrated, develop pressure sores, or suffer avoidable falls, it may be more than “aging.” It could be neglect.

You are not overreacting. And you are not alone.

Neglect in long-term care is widespread, under-reported, and deeply harmful.

What the Data Shows

• According to a brief from BYU’s Ballard Brief, among state-reported elder abuse cases, neglect was the most common form in 2017 at about 31.2% of victims. Source: Ballard Brief / Abuse & Neglect against Elderly Adults in Nursing Homes. Ballard Brief

• The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General states that patient neglect and inadequate care in nursing homes remain recurring challenges in inspections and enforcement actions. Source: OIG, Featured Reports on Nursing Homes. Office of Inspector General

• The National Council on Aging reports that only about 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse and neglect are ever reported to authorities — meaning the actual number is likely much higher. Source: NCOA, Get the Facts on Elder Abuse. NCOA

  
  

These numbers reflect a truth: When care facilities fall short, it often shows up as neglect — and families frequently see it first.

Signs of Neglect to Watch For

Neglect might not look dramatic at first — but the harm accumulates quickly. Here are common signs families notice:

Physical & medical signs:

• Bedsores or pressure ulcers, often rated Stage III or IV

• Dehydration or rapid weight loss

• Malnutrition — little interest in eating, assisted feeding ignored

• Infections or wounds that are untreated

• Repeated falls or unexplained injuries

• Poor hygiene, soiled bedding, dirty skin or nails

  
  

Behavioral or emotional signs:

• The resident seems more withdrawn or depressed

• They may stop asking for help or stop eating/communicating

• Fear or discomfort when care staff approach

• Rapid decline in health or mobility without clear medical cause

  
  

Facility & care red flags:

• Staff who are dismissive or defensive when you ask questions

• Frequent “we couldn’t get to them” explanations

• Missing care logs or incomplete records

• The facility becomes silent when you ask about wounds or falls

• Care plan changes with no documented reason

  
  

If your loved one is being ignored, or the facility is brushing off concerns — that is a meaningful sign.

Real Case Study of Neglect

In Shelby County, Tennessee, a nursing home resident died after developing severe pressure sores and infections that the facility failed to treat. A jury awarded the family a judgment of approximately $30 million, including $28 million in punitive damages, recognizing the extreme neglect of the facility.

This case underscores the fact that neglect is not merely “poor care” — it can become life-threatening when basic duties are ignored.

What You Should Do If You Suspect Neglect

You don’t need to wait for proof that the facility admits — your concern is enough to act.

Steps you can take:

1. Document injuries or bedsores with photographs, date/time, and what staff told you.

2. Visit at several times (early morning, mealtime, night) to observe how care is delivered when you’re not expected.

3. Request care logs and incident reports (skin assessments, repositioning charts, fall reports).

4. Ask direct questions:

   • “How often is he turned in bed?”

   • “Why is she losing weight so fast?”

   • “Where is the wound treatment record?”Answers that don’t add up are red flags.

5. Seek an outside medical evaluation if you suspect under-treatment or unaddressed wounds.

6. Trust your instincts. Families often catch neglect before facilities acknowledge it. You are not imagining it.

   
   

   

   
   

How We Can Help

At iNursingHomeAbuse.com, we connect families with experienced attorneys across the country who understand institutional neglect and long-term care failures.

What we offer:

• Free, confidential case evaluation

• Nationwide network of vetted attorneys who take cases involving nursing home neglect and long-term care failures

• No cost unless your case succeeds

• Guidance through documentation and next steps so you don’t feel alone

• Matching you with professionals who know how to hold facilities accountable

  
  

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Help is available.

You’re Not Alone — And You’re Not Wrong to Be Concerned

If something doesn’t feel right — if your loved one is changing rapidly, looking neglected, or being ignored — you’re not overreacting.You deserve clarity. Your loved one deserves dignified care.

Reach out today.Your concern can protect your loved one now — and prevent the same harm from happening to someone else.