What to Do If You Suspect Your Loved One Is Being Neglected in a Philadelphia Nursing Home

When a loved one enters a nursing home, you expect them to be treated with compassion, respect, and proper care. Unfortunately, some facilities fall short of these standards—resulting in neglect, abuse, or even serious injury. If you notice troubling signs or behaviors and suspect something is wrong, it's important to act quickly and decisively.

At Crichton Injury Law, we help families in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania protect their vulnerable loved ones and hold negligent nursing homes accountable.

Recognize the Red Flags of Nursing Home Neglect

Neglect isn’t always easy to spot—especially when staff members are evasive or when your loved one is unable or afraid to speak up. Here are some common warning signs to look out for:

• Unexplained injuries like bruises, fractures, or cuts
• Frequent falls or emergency room visits
• Bedsores (pressure ulcers) on the back, heels, or hips
• Sudden emotional withdrawal or fearfulness around staff
• Poor hygiene, soiled clothing, or unchanged bedding
• Rapid weight loss or signs of malnutrition
• Incorrect medication or skipped doses
• Lack of supervision, leading to wandering or elopement

If any of these symptoms are present, don’t assume they’re normal or unavoidable. These are serious indicators of potential neglect that must be addressed immediately.

Step 1: Document Everything

The first thing you should do is gather evidence. Take photographs of injuries, dirty conditions, or anything that seems suspicious. If possible, write down what your loved one tells you—even if it seems minor or confusing. Document the time, date, and names of the staff members involved.

Also, record details like:

• Missed meals or medication
• Infrequent bathing or grooming
• Delays in medical care
• Strange staff behavior or evasiveness

This documentation can be vital in building a strong legal case later.

Step 2: Ask Direct Questions—and Listen Carefully

Talk to your loved one privately if you can. Ask questions like:

• “Has anyone here ever hurt you?”
• “Are you getting your medicine on time?”
• “Do you feel safe at night?”
• “Is someone helping you with meals or bathing?”

Even if they’re hesitant to answer, their tone, body language, and facial expressions can reveal more than their words.

Step 3: Report the Problem Internally

Before escalating the matter legally, try reporting your concerns to the nursing home’s administrator or director of nursing. Ask for a written care plan and request to see documentation of treatment or incident reports. Be firm, and don’t settle for vague answers.

Document your communication and follow up if you receive no response.

Step 4: File an Official Complaint

If you’re unsatisfied with the facility’s response—or if the danger is urgent—you can file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. These agencies can investigate and may perform unannounced inspections.

For immediate threats to safety, call 911.

Step 5: Contact a Nursing Home Neglect Attorney in Philadelphia

When nursing homes fail in their duty of care, the consequences can be devastating. At Crichton Injury Law, we represent families who are ready to take legal action. Whether your loved one suffered a fall, bedsores, abuse, or wrongful death, we are prepared to fight for answers—and for justice.

Neglect is never acceptable. You have every right to demand accountability for the harm caused to someone you love.

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If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don't wait until it’s too late. Call Crichton Injury Law today at 267-412-2142
 

Your family deserves dignity, safety, and protection. Let us help you make that a reality.