Moving into a nursing home often means relying on staff for help with daily needs and medical care. Residents and their loved ones expect that the care provided will reflect the resident’s individual needs.
Every resident is different, and their care should be tailored accordingly. When the staff chooses not to follow the established care plan, the consequences can be serious.
When a care plan is not respected
A nursing home care plan outlines the services and support a resident needs based on their health, abilities and individual circumstances. It may address important concerns such as:
- Medications
- Nutrition
- Mobility
- Bathing
- Personal care
- Fall prevention
Staff members are generally expected to understand the resident’s plan and provide care consistent with those instructions.
When staff fail to follow a care plan, a resident may not receive the care they need. For example, a resident who requires assistance transferring from a bed to a wheelchair could be at greater risk of falling if staff leave them to move without help. Similarly, failing to provide medications as prescribed, follow dietary restrictions or provide necessary repositioning could contribute to serious and ongoing health problems.
The consequences can range from discomfort and a decline in the resident’s mental and physical condition to more serious injuries or complications. In some cases, inadequate care may cause existing health conditions to worsen or make it more difficult for a resident to recover from an illness or injury. When inadequate care causes a resident to suffer harm, it’s important for families to ask questions, document their concerns and pay attention to any changes in the resident’s condition. Keeping records of injuries, symptoms and conversations with staff can help families better understand what happened and determine what steps may be appropriate.
If a loved one has been harmed because a nursing home failed to provide the care outlined in their care plan, speaking with a legal professional can help a family understand their options and determine what steps may be appropriate.