Nursing Home Neglect in Baltimore: When A Loved One Isn’t Getting the Care They Deserve

Nursing homes are designed to protect the safety of older adult loved ones and provide families with peace of mind. Unfortunately, many fall short of this goal. Nursing home neglect in Baltimore happens regularly and can cause potentially life-threatening harm.

If you’ve noticed signs that something isn’t right while visiting loved ones over the holidays, it is important to act quickly. Our experienced Maryland nursing home negligence lawyers explain the warning signs and actions you can take.

Warning Signs of Nursing Home Neglect in Baltimore

The Maryland Department of Health reports that nearly 4,000 cases of nursing home abuse are reported each year, while thousands of other cases likely go unreported. Neglect is one of the most common ways it happens.

Older adults who live in Baltimore nursing homes often suffer physical and cognitive issues that make them vulnerable to abuse and neglect. When visiting family members or friends in facilities this holiday season, be alert for common warning signs, which include:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or bedsores that suggest a lack of supervision or poor hygiene care.
• Sudden weight loss or dehydration, often caused by skipped meals or insufficient monitoring.
• Poor hygiene, including dirty clothing, soiled bedding, or foul odors in resident rooms.
• Changes in mood or alertness may signal medication errors or emotional neglect.
• Unsafe surroundings, such as cluttered walkways, poor lighting, or broken safety equipment.
• Frequent falls indicate staff shortages or ignored mobility needs.

These conditions are not “normal” nor are they simply part of aging. They are red flags that something is wrong.

What to Do If You Suspect a Baltimore Nursing Home is Guilty of Neglect

Under Section 19-343 of the Maryland Statutes, nursing home residents in Baltimore are legally entitled to respect and a reasonable standard of care. If you believe your loved one is being neglected, you have the right to take action. Here’s what to do:

• Make the administration and staff aware of your concerns.
• Document everything you see, including photos of injuries or unsafe conditions.
• Request medical records, care plans, and staff notes in writing.
• Report the issue to the Maryland Office of Health Care Quality, which investigates complaints.
• Contact an experienced Baltimore nursing home neglect lawyer immediately. We can preserve evidence, request records, and hold the facility accountable for its failures.

Don’t accept excuses about “staffing issues” or “temporary shortages”, as those are management problems, not yours or your loved one’s. You have the right to hold them liable for negligence. Legal action also forces facilities to make changes that protect other residents.

Request a Consultation With Our Experienced Maryland Nursing Home Negligence Lawyers Today

Older adults are vulnerable and deserve to be safe, cared for, and treated with respect. If you suspect neglect or abuse in a Baltimore nursing home, contact Maryland Injury Lawyers right away.

Our experienced Baltimore nursing home negligence lawyers can investigate what happened, protect your loved one’s rights, and demand accountability. Call or contact our office online today to request a consultation.

Sources:

aging.maryland.gov/SiteAssets/Pages/WEAAD/WEAAD%20Fact%20Sheet%20MD%20Fiscal%20Year%202021.pdf

mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=ghg&section=19-343