Assisted Living Risk Factors and Safety Concerns
Our abuse and neglect attorneys fight to protect seniors
Understanding the safety concerns associated with assisted living facilities can be challenging. And while it’s not something you may want to think about, it’s important to know the risks. This way, you can take action when you learn of something that affects your loved one’s safety.
At Hal Waldman & Associates in Pittsburgh, we understand the importance of ensuring your loved one is safe in a personal care facility (assisted living). With decades of experience in Western Pennsylvania assisted living cases, Attorney Waldman understands the standards that personal care facilities must follow and how residents can be put at risk when those standards are not met.
Understaffing
Not having enough staff in assisted living facilities is a big problem. When there aren't enough workers, residents don't get the help and care they need. This can affect their physical and mental health.
With fewer staff, it's hard to watch over everyone and help quickly during emergencies. Staff might make mistakes and not provide proper care. Understaffing may also lead to neglect of the physical premises, resulting in tripping hazards, poorly maintained lights, and other safety concerns.
Isolation
Isolation is another concern in assisted living facilities. When residents are isolated, they are more vulnerable to abuse or neglect. They might not be able to communicate their needs well. If they're not around others, it's harder for staff to notice if something's wrong. This can lead to health or safety issues going unnoticed. So, keeping residents engaged and connected is important to prevent these problems.
Physical environment
The physical environment of an assisted living facility is crucial to residents' safety. If the facility isn't properly maintained, it can lead to accidents. Environmental safety concerns include:
- Loose rugs
- Cluttered hallways
- Poor lighting
- Broken handrails
- Broken steps
- Spills that aren’t cleaned up promptly
The layout of the facility is also important. If it's confusing or lacks clear signage, residents might get lost or disoriented, which can be distressing and unsafe. Poorly designed bathrooms or bedrooms can also increase the chances of accidents.
Lack of supervision and oversight
Lack of supervision and oversight poses a significant risk in assisted living facilities. Insufficient supervision from staff members can result in residents engaging in unsafe behaviors, leading to accidents and injuries.
A lack of oversight from management can contribute to neglect, abuse, or unsafe conditions within the facility. Incidents can go unnoticed without proper monitoring and intervention, impacting residents' health and safety.
Medical conditions
In assisted living, medical conditions, especially dementia, can be a problem. Dementia makes it hard for people to remember things, talk, and make decisions. This can lead to self-neglect. These residents need extra care to prevent them from getting hurt.
If other medical conditions aren't taken care of, they can worsen. When residents go too long without prescriptions or other treatment, their medical condition can cause their health to decline.
Seek compensation with an assisted living abuse and neglect attorney
Seeking compensation for assisted living abuse or neglect is about holding those responsible accountable and protecting your loved one's rights. By consulting with an experienced assisted living abuse and neglect attorney at Hal Waldman & Associates, you are taking a significant step toward seeking justice and securing the compensation your loved one deserves. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and explore your legal options.
