The holiday season brings Michigan families together, often in ways that don’t happen during the rest of the year. For loved ones living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, these visits offer much more than companionship—they provide families with a rare opportunity to observe their loved one’s daily environment, physical condition, and emotional well-being.

And sometimes, what families see during holiday visits raises red flags.

Small but concerning changes—unexplained bruises, weight loss, disorientation, or unsanitary conditions—can signal deeper problems. Because family members may go weeks or months between visits, these seasonal reunions can reveal what daily routine hides: signs of nursing home neglect.

Neglect is more common than most families realize, but it frequently goes unnoticed until relatives see the warning signs firsthand.

Michigan law provides important protections through state elder abuse statutes, federal Long-Term Care Residents’ Rights, and strict regulations governing nursing home staffing and safety. When facilities fail in their legal duties, families have the right to take action.

At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, our attorneys bring 50+ years of combined experience representing Michigan families in cases involving nursing home negligence, elder injury, wrongful death, and disability-related claims. Every case receives the support of our entire team, reflecting our firm’s deeply rooted values: client-first representation, clarity, compassion, integrity, and commitment to our community.

Common Signs of Nursing Home Neglect You Can See During Visits

Physical Signs

These are often the most obvious red flags:

• Unexplained bruises or injuries
• Weight loss or dehydration, indicating poor nutrition or lack of monitoring
• Poor hygiene, such as unwashed hair, dirty nails, or unpleasant odors
• Pressure ulcers (bedsores)—a clear sign of inadequate repositioning or supervision
• Overmedication or under-medication, which can cause confusion, lethargy, or medical decline

Any of these signs warrant immediate questioning and documentation.

Environmental Red Flags

A resident’s surroundings say a lot about the standard of care:

• Dirty bedding or cluttered rooms
• Unsanitary bathrooms
• Unsafe hallways, including fall hazards
• Strong odors, such as urine or feces
• Lack of staff presence, especially in shared areas where supervision is essential

A neglected environment often indicates broader systemic issues within the facility.

Behavioral or Emotional Indicators

Changes in mood or behavior can signal distress:

• Sudden withdrawal or reluctance to engage
• Fear of staff, which may suggest abuse or intimidation
• Confusion or agitation, potentially tied to medication errors or neglect
• Signs of depression or anxiety, which can arise from isolation or mistreatment

Loved ones often notice these subtle changes before staff acknowledges them.

Medical or Care-Related Concerns

Be attentive to patterns that suggest inadequate care:

• Missed medications or inconsistent dosing
• Delayed treatments or unexplained medical setbacks
• Repeated hospital visits, especially for avoidable conditions
• Mobility decline, including falls or lack of assistance with transfers

These issues often point to staffing shortages, poor training, or neglectful oversight.

Michigan Laws That Protect Nursing Home Residents

Resident Bill of Rights (Federal & State)

Nursing home residents are legally entitled to:

• Dignity, respect, and autonomy
• A safe and clean living environment
• Freedom from abuse and neglect, including physical, emotional, and financial harm

These rights are mandatory—not optional.

Michigan Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse Standards

Facilities must adhere to strict rules, including:

• Required staffing levels to meet each resident’s needs
• Proper training and supervision of caregivers
• An obligation to prevent injury, including falls, bedsores, and medication errors

When understaffing or poor management violates these standards, the facility can be held responsible.

Regulatory Reporting Requirements

Michigan law requires:

• Mandatory reporting of suspected abuse or neglect
• State inspections and compliance reviews
• Transparent documentation of injuries, infections, and care plans

A facility that conceals or misrepresents incidents may face regulatory consequences and civil liability.

Liability Under Michigan Law

Nursing homes may be legally responsible when negligence contributes to harm, including:

• Caregiver errors
• Chronic understaffing
• Unsafe conditions
• Medication mistakes
• Failure to monitor or treat medical conditions

If a resident suffers harm because the facility failed to uphold its legal duties, a negligence claim may be appropriate.

What Families Should Do If They Suspect Neglect

Document What You Observe

Gather clear, detailed information, including:

• Photos, dates, and written descriptions of concerns
• Notes on conversations with staff and their explanations
• Documentation of visible injuries, weight changes, or mobility issues

This evidence can be invaluable in proving negligence later.

Speak with Nursing Home Staff—Carefully

If you notice concerning issues:

• Ask about care plans, medication schedules, and any recent changes
• Request clarification without making accusations
• Observe how staff respond—defensive or dismissive answers may signal deeper issues

These conversations can help reveal whether the facility is addressing your loved one’s needs appropriately.

Request Medical Evaluation

If you suspect injury, illness, or neglect:

• Consider having your loved one evaluated in the ER or by a third-party physician
• Ensure that injuries, dehydration, infections, or mobility decline are fully documented

A medical record is one of the strongest forms of evidence in nursing home cases.

File a Report If Necessary

When safety concerns escalate, you may need to report the facility to:

• Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
• Adult Protective Services (APS)

These agencies can investigate and hold facilities accountable for violations.

Contact an Attorney Early

Reaching out to an attorney promptly helps:

• Preserve critical evidence, including staffing schedules, care plans, and surveillance footage
• Prevent retaliation or suppression of information
• Protect your loved one’s rights and ensure they begin receiving proper care

How LSM Investigates Nursing Home Neglect Claims

Team-Based Review of Medical and Facility Records

Our attorneys and staff work together to examine:

• Medication logs
• Staffing schedules, including shortages and agency worker use
• Care plans and documentation showing whether required care was actually provided

Interviews With Witnesses and Facility Staff

We speak with:

• Family members
• Staff on duty
• Other residents or eyewitnesses

These conversations help reconstruct what happened and identify inconsistencies in the facility’s account.

Collaboration With Medical and Forensic Experts

To strengthen the case, we consult:

• Wound care specialists for bedsores and skin injuries
• Geriatric care experts for mobility, fall-risk, and dementia-related concerns
• Additional medical professionals when appropriate

These experts help explain how proper care could have prevented the injury.

Identifying Corporate Negligence and Systemic Failures

Many nursing home injuries stem from:

• Understaffing caused by corporate budgeting
• Policy violations
• Lack of training
• Chronic neglect from top-down management practices

We uncover these systemic issues to hold not just the facility—but corporate owners—liable when appropriate.

Building a Clear, Compassionate Case Narrative

Every case tells a story. At LSM, we ensure:

• The resident’s voice is heard, even when they cannot advocate for themselves
• Evidence demonstrates both harm and preventability
• The case reflects the dignity and humanity of your loved one

This approach aligns with our firm’s culture of treating every client like family—and fighting for their safety with unwavering dedication.

Compensation for Nursing Home Neglect Victims

Medical Expenses & Future Care

Neglect often results in serious injuries requiring:

• Hospitalization
• Specialist care
• Physical therapy
• Long-term treatment plans

Pain & Suffering

Victims of nursing home neglect often experience:

• Physical pain from falls, bedsores, infections, or injuries
• Significant discomfort from untreated medical conditions
• Loss of mobility or independence

Emotional Distress

Neglect and abuse have emotional consequences as well:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fear of caregivers
• Trauma from preventable injuries

Rehabilitation Costs

Neglect-related injuries can require:

• Physical or occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Cognitive rehabilitation

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable)

When neglect leads to a tragic loss, families may pursue wrongful death damages, including:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and support
• Emotional suffering of surviving family
• Medical costs incurred before death

Your Loved One Deserves Safety, Dignity & Respect—Every Day of the Year.

Holiday visits highlight both joy and vulnerability in nursing home residents. They offer families a clear window into their loved one’s day-to-day care—and sometimes reveal warning signs that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Michigan families deserve clarity, protection, and answers. And at Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we remain committed to transparency, integrity, and treating every client like family—values deeply connected to the firm’s long-standing culture and community-centered mission.

If you suspect your loved one is experiencing nursing home neglect—especially during or after holiday visits—do not wait. Early intervention can prevent further harm and protect your loved one’s safety while holding negligent facilities accountable.

Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, Personal Injury Attorneys 📍 2695 Coolidge Highway, Berkley, MI 48072
📞 248-584-1300
📞 Toll-Free: 1-855-LISS-LAW (1-855-547-7529)

Your consultation is always free.
Your story matters. And at LSM, your rights come first.