Residents of Nursing Homes in Ontario are in a precarious position. They are separated from loved ones, and are often suffering from conditions such as dementia, mobility issues, or other serious health concerns. Because of this vulnerability, neglect or mistreatment often has serious consequences.
An accepted standard of care must be upheld by staff at these facilities, and for this reason, the Long-Term Care Homes Act of Ontario contains a Residents’ Bill of Rights. This Bill of Rights, according to the Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils, is meant to ensure that residents of these homes do indeed feel at home, receiving “safe, consistent, and high-quality resident-centred care, and are treated with respect, and have the supports and services they need for their health and well-being.”
Unfortunately, this has often been far from the case, as nursing home negligence has been all too common in Ontario, often with tragic results.
There are a substantial number of types of potential negligence and abuse perpetrated against residents, including but not limited to:
- Bullying or physical or sexual assault
- Medication errors or neglect
- Malnutrition
- Unsafe or unsanitary conditions
- Lack of care/Failure to treat medical problem
- Neglect of basic needs
- Lack of social interaction
- Wrongful death
Some of the more grievous and infamous cases have made their rounds in the media, but for every one of those, there are countless others that go unreported.
If you’re unsure if your loved one is suffering from abuse or negligence at a LTC home, there are certain warning signs to be aware of:
- Troubling or sudden changes in behaviour: Emotional upset, withdrawn, non-communicative—especially in staff members’ presence
- Bruises, wounds, fractures or other unexplained injuries
- Unexplained weight loss
- Visible unsanitary conditions
- Poor personal hygiene
- Illnesses not immediately reported
- Staff’s inability to explain the resident’s condition
- Sudden and unexpected death
Horowitz Injury Law will conduct a thorough investigation of a negligence claim, with the intent of securing compensation for the victims, and ensuring that the home is held responsible, to eliminate further instances of abuse.
If you believe your loved one is the subject of Nursing Home negligence, contact Horowitz Injury Law immediately. With 35 years of experience, our team has the knowledge and expertise to get you the compensation you deserve. Call today for a free no-obligation consultation: 416-925-4100.
