Most facilities in Louisiana do provide this compassionate care for their residents and patients. Unfortunately, neglect and abuse of elders and people with special needs is more common than one might think.

In fact, Louisiana is reportedly the second worst state in the U.S. in nursing home neglect and abuse. Studies have found that about 14% of Louisiana nursing homes are deficient in essential ways. Some nursing homes are understaffed, or the staff they do have may be under-trained or underqualified, which leads to neglect or abuse of patients.

The legal definition of neglect is: “The failure to give proper attention, supervision, or necessities (physical or medical) to someone that it leads to or is likely to lead to their harm.” When nursing home employees accidentally or intentionally cause residents to suffer physical, emotional or psychological harm, it is considered nursing home abuse.