Annapolis Attorney for Lack of Appropriate Care for Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients

Alzheimer’s and dementia patients require high levels of care. Many families find they can’t provide appropriate care on their own and turn to care facilities for professional help. According to the National Institute of Aging, Alzheimer’s patients often require medications. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, dementia patients can benefit from regular medications as well as occupational therapy and environmental modification. Both Alzheimer’s and dementia patients must receive their medications regularly to have the best prognosis. 

You may have a legal claim if the nursing home caring for your loved one gave your family member:

• The wrong medications
• Medications at the wrong times 
• The wrong dosages of the correct medications 

Nursing home staff may also injure your loved one by failing to provide them with sufficient food, medicine, or care. We can assess your case to determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit.

What Compensation Can You Pursue for Lack of Appropriate Care in Annapolis?

An Annapolis attorney from Brown & Barron can help your family pursue compensation after an act of nursing home neglect or abuse, especially cases where there is a lack of appropriate care for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients or residents. Our attorneys can assess your family’s losses and help you seek damages for medical care, including: 

• Hospitalizations 
• Medications 
• Medical supplies
• Therapy 
• Surgeries and other treatments 

Your family member may also receive damages for their pain, suffering, and emotional distress. We understand how difficult it can be for a patient with Alzheimer’s or dementia to move forward with a claim on their own, and we can help you protect your loved one. 

Why Would Someone with Dementia Need an Advocate?

Dementia does not impact everyone the same way. However, it can make it harder to remember certain things. Over time, dementia patients generally have a harder time concentrating and dealing with their short-term memory. 

These factors can make it difficult for dementia patients to advocate for themselves if they experience improper care. Fortunately, you can step in to help your family member receive proper medical care and legal assistance. 

How Do You Identify Issues with Care for a Dementia or Alzheimer’s Patient?

Patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia don’t all require the same amount of care. Many patients remain largely independent and are able to care for themselves. Others require assistance with the simplest tasks of daily living, such as eating/drinking, getting dressed, and using the bathroom. 

Be aware of the signs that indicate a nursing home might not be providing your family member with adequate care (neglect).For example, you may notice that your family member:

• Seems malnourished or hungry 
• Appears dehydrated
• Looks dirty or is wearing dirty clothing 
• Smells bad

Additionally, you may notice changes to your loved one’s personality or level of cognition if the nursing home staff fails to provide them with their medication at appropriate times.

An Annapolis attorney can assist you in building a comprehensive case for your legal compensation claim for cases where there is a lack of appropriate care for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. 

Is A Person with Dementia Considered Incompetent?

Individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia often remain legally competent and able to make their own decisions about their health. However, over time they may require more assistance as their diseases progress and limit their memory and cognitive functions. 

You may need to acquire a power of attorney to make decisions regarding your family member’s health and legal concerns. A lawyer can provide you with more information about power of attorney in Maryland. 

How Long Can You Wait to File a Claim for Lack of Appropriate Care?

According to Maryland’s statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims, you have the earlier of up to five years from the date of the injury or three years from the date you first discovered the injury to file your claim. If you wait too long to move forward with your legal case, it limits your options to seek compensation. 

Our attorneys always focus on deadlines for our clients, helping you maintain your peace of mind throughout the case. 

Contact Brown & Barron online today to schedule a free case review with a with a lack of appropriate care for alzheimer’s and dementia patients lawyer serving Annapolis.