Neglect in Georgia is defined generally as the negligent failure of any person having the care or custody of an elder or a dependent adult to exercise that degree of care, which a reasonable person in a similar position would exercise.

Neglect includes, but is not limited to:

• Failure to assist in personal hygiene, or in the provision of food, clothing, or shelter
• Failure to provide medical care for physical and mental health needs
• Failure to protect from health and safety hazards
• Failure to prevent malnutrition
• Failure to prevent dehydration
• Failure to provide the necessities of daily living
• Failure to prevent bed sores
• Failure to provide sanitary conditions
• Failure to prevent infections

Abuse includes, but is not limited to:

Assault and Battery:

Assault is the unlawful threatening or touching on patients at nursing homes and can occur from nursing home personnel or from other residents at the facility. Many of these go ignored or unreported.

Sexual Assault and Battery:

Sexual Battery like general assault, is believed to be far more prevalent than the number of reported cases. These cases happen more times then we care to think or acknowledge. Many go unreported and because of the mental or physical state of the parties are rarely prosecuted.

Unreasonable Physical Constraint:

This may include physical restraint’s used in nursing homes include arm and leg straps, hand mitts, and wheelchair safety bars. A useful link to understanding rights involved with nursing homes can be found at Nursing Home Reform Act.  

Unreasonable Chemical Restraint:

This can include the unnecessary administration of drugs. This may also include medical malpractice if prescribed by a physician.

Prolonged Deprivation of Food and Water:

The failure to feed and provide water and/or provide the proper nutrition of the patient.

Withholding Needed Medication

Failure of the nursing home to administer medication whether prescribed or over the counter medications.

Seclusion to Room or Fixed Location:

This occurs then they have physically and mentally isolated a patient without valid reasons.