What Does Neglect in Nursing Homes Look Like In Nebraska? 7 Real-World Examples

Watching someone you love suffer in a nursing home is heartbreaking. It’s even worse when you suspect neglect or abuse. Nursing home residents rely heavily on the care they receive, so when that care falls short, it can lead to serious harm. Neglect can take many forms, some more obvious than others. 

Our goal is to help you understand what neglect in Nebraska nursing homes looks like and offer real-world examples to guide you if you’re concerned about a loved one’s well-being. Understanding what to look for and acting quickly can prevent further harm and hold facilities accountable. 

7 Types of Neglect & Abuse in Nursing Homes

Neglect isn’t always easy to spot. Sometimes, it can be hidden behind closed doors or brushed off as minor issues. But, when left unchecked, neglect can lead to devastating outcomes. In reality, neglect and abuse in nursing homes can have severe physical, emotional, and even financial consequences. 

Let’s break down the common types of neglect and abuse residents may experience, along with real-life examples to help you recognize the signs.

Basic Needs Neglect

When basic needs go unmet, it’s a clear sign of neglect. Nursing home residents are often unable to care for themselves fully, so staff must provide consistent and proper care.

  • Poor Hygiene: If your loved one seems unkempt—like having long, dirty nails, messy hair, or soiled clothing—it could be due to neglect. Residents who are unable to care for themselves rely on staff for personal grooming and cleanliness.
  • Malnutrition & Dehydration: Sudden weight loss, dry mouth, or even infrequent urination may signal malnutrition or dehydration. This is one of the more subtle forms of neglect but can have severe health consequences over time.
  • Unsanitary Living Conditions: Overflowing trash, dirty rooms, or stained bedding can indicate that staff isn’t keeping up with basic cleaning needs. These conditions can also increase the risk of infections or illness.
  • Neglect of Mobility Needs: If staff aren’t assisting with walking or repositioning, residents can develop pressure sores, lose muscle strength, or suffer from circulation issues.

Medical Neglect

Medical neglect happens when residents aren’t getting the treatment they need. This can lead to worsening health conditions or even fatal outcomes.

  • Untreated Bedsores: Bedsores—especially those that are open or infected—are a significant sign of neglect. These can form when residents aren’t repositioned regularly or when their wounds go untreated.
  • Missed Medication: If your loved one’s medications are always full or their behavior seems off, it could be because they aren’t getting their prescribed doses.
  • Ignored Medical Conditions: Failing to treat infections or other health issues can quickly lead to worsening conditions. If your loved one’s health is rapidly declining and there’s no clear reason why, medical neglect could be at play.
  • Improper Management of Chronic Conditions: Chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure require ongoing management. If your loved one’s health conditions aren’t being monitored or treated properly, it’s a sign of medical neglect.

Emotional/Social Neglect & Abuse

Neglect doesn’t just affect the body—it can also have a huge impact on mental and emotional health.

  • Social Isolation: A study done by Psychosom Med. shows that if a resident is left alone for long periods without interaction, they may become withdrawn or depressed. Residents should have access to social activities and regular visits with staff.
  • Unexplained Mood Changes: Sudden shifts in mood, such as anxiety, depression, or agitation, can signal emotional abuse or neglect.
  • Verbal or Emotional Abuse: Yelling, belittling, or threatening language from staff can cause deep emotional scars. If your loved one seems afraid of certain caregivers or starts showing signs of low self-worth, this could point to abuse.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is intentional harm caused to a resident. It causes serious consequences for the victim’s health and well-being. Knowing what to look for can help you identify and stop this kind of treatment.

  • Unexplained Injuries: Bruises, welts, or even broken bones that don’t come with a clear explanation are major red flags. If staff can’t explain an injury, or the resident is reluctant to talk about it, abuse may be happening.
  • Signs of Restraint: Marks on wrists or ankles could suggest that your loved one has been tied down or restrained in some way. Physical restraints are generally prohibited unless medically necessary and approved.
  • Fear or Anxiety Around Certain Staff: If your loved one shows signs of fear or anxiety when a specific caregiver is near, it’s worth investigating why.
  • Unusual Behavior: Look for noticeable sudden changes in behavior, especially for fear of being touched. 

Sexual Abuse

This form of abuse is horrific but can happen even in nursing homes. It’s important to note that sexual abuse can be perpetrated by staff members, other residents, or visitors. The victims are often vulnerable residents who may be unable to communicate or resist advances due to physical or cognitive impairments. 

  • Unexplained STDs or Genital Injuries: If your loved one develops a sexually transmitted disease or has genital injuries and cannot consent to sexual activity, it’s a sign that sexual abuse may have occurred.
  • Fear of Physical Contact: A sudden reluctance to be touched or an aversion to social interaction can be a clue that something is very wrong.
  • Behavioral Changes: Increased agitation, anxiety, depression, or other sudden changes in behavior may indicate that the resident has been subjected to sexual abuse.

Neglect Due to Understaffing

One of the leading causes of neglect in nursing homes is understaffing. When there aren’t enough staff members to care for residents, the quality of care drops.

  • Not Responding to Call Buttons: If calls for help go unanswered, residents may be left in pain, discomfort, or unsafe conditions for long periods.
  • Rushing Through Care Tasks: Hurried care means important steps can get skipped, such as administering medication or properly repositioning bedridden residents.
  • Skipping scheduled care like repositioning immobile residents: Residents who are unable to move on their own need regular repositioning to avoid pressure sores. When this doesn’t happen, it can lead to painful and dangerous bedsores.
  • Not Monitoring Residents Closely: Without proper supervision, residents are at risk of falls, wandering off, or other accidents that could have been prevented with adequate staffing.
  • Medication errors due to overworked staff: Staff stretched too thin may make dangerous mistakes with medication, either missing doses or administering the wrong medications, which can cause serious health issues.

Concerned About a Loved One in Nebraska? We’re Here to Help

If you suspect your loved one is experiencing any form of neglect or abuse in a Nebraska nursing home, don’t wait to act. 

The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, powered by Reed Law Offices, PC, LLO, is dedicated to fighting for the rights of vulnerable residents. With our help, you can take action to protect your loved one. Contact us today at (402) 933-0588 for a free consultation. Every call is confidential, and our compassionate team is here to stand by your side, ensuring your loved one gets the care they deserve.

Contact The Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Law Firm, PC, LLO

If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, don’t wait. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves. Contact us today for a free consultation.

    How to reach us

    Omaha Office: 3032 South 87th Street, Omaha,
    NE 68124
    Lincoln Office: P.O. Box 57154, Lincoln, NE 68505
    Email: legal2@reedlawomaha.com
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    Fax: (402) 263-5077