Elder abuse is a severe problem that can leave lasting impacts on seniors. It takes on many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional and psychological maltreatment.
Unfortunately, this issue remains prevalent in the United States, where 10% of all people over 65 are experiencing abuse. One crucial contributor to this problem is negligence within nursing homes, where older people should be protected and supported.
If you have a loved one staying in a nursing home, you should take precautions to ensure that they are safe from abuse. The first step crucial step is identifying the signs of nursing home negligence.
Signs of nursing home negligence
While signs of abuse can change depending on a range of factors, some common indicators could be easy to spot:
- Malnutrition or weight loss can be a sign of abuse if there is no reported increase in physical activity or change in diet. The weight loss can mean that the patient may not be eating right due to abuse.
- Sudden changes in medicine administration without notifying family members can indicate negligence. Medication management is critical in patient care, and errors can have dangerous consequences.
- Infections, bruises or injuries are indicators of physical abuse. The nursing home should protect residents from preventable infections and address treatable health issues immediately.
- Poor personal hygiene can also indicate negligence in nursing homes. If your parent or grandparent has no clean clothes and is not getting bathed, you should immediately ask facility administrators for an explanation.
By looking out for these signs of abuse, you can protect your loved ones before their condition worsens. Moreover, you can help other seniors in the same facility who may also be victims of negligence if you decide to take legal action.
Choose the right nursing home for your loved one
Thorough research can be helpful before deciding on a nursing facility for your parents or grandparents. Determine how the nursing home takes care of its current residents and whether the facility has the resources to take in another senior.
These considerations are crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of your elderly family member. By taking these measures, your loved one can spend their days healthy, happy and comfortable.
