Nursing Home Neglect
Unfortunately, it is far too often that seniors experience neglect or abuse while staying at a nursing home, assisted living facility, or skilled nursing facility. It can be difficult to identify issues when you only have limited access to your loved one. Understanding the warning signs and what constitutes neglect or abuse is extremely important.
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
The signs of nursing home abuse and neglect can range from very subtle to very serious. Even minor injuries left untreated can quickly spiral into a life-threatening condition. Infections and pneumonia can be deadly for elderly patients, and other injuries (such as pressure ulcers) can introduce immune weaknesses.
It can be difficult to stay up to date with a loved one’s care when you only see them infrequently. Injuries may be concealed or downplayed by nurses. If caretakers consistently seem rushed or irritated, it could be a sign of understaffing, which often leads to neglect and abuse. You should also watch your loved one and other residents for indications of fear around the staff.
You may notice the following symptoms if your loved one is facing abuse or neglect:
- Unexplained sores, bruises, or cuts
- Dull or papery skin, from dehydration
- Sudden mood and personality changes
- Fear and anxiety around caregivers
- Lack of engagement or interest in their life
- Unexplained injuries, especially from falling
- Repeated hospitalizations for minor injuries
- Lack of supervision
What Constitutes Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse
Here are some actions that can constitute nursing home abuse or negligence:
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Bedsores (pressure ulcers)
- Lack of personal hygiene care
- Medication errors
- Falls and related injuries
- Hospitalization for preventable injuries
- Financial abuse
- Sepsis or other infections
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Lack of supervision
Taking Action To Protect Your Loved One
Despite the prevalence of nursing home abuse, many families do not become aware of the issue until it is too late for them to prevent injury or secure better care.
Caregivers often try to hide injuries caused by negligence, such as bedsores. Even if you are vigilant, it can be hard to know when your loved one is facing abuse.
Any type of abuse is horrifying, but especially when it is aimed against those who are too vulnerable to advocate for themselves, it must be stopped.
We are dedicated to helping injury victims and their families gain an understanding of the situation and request compensation by filing a lawsuit. We know how difficult it can be to see a loved one suffering. Both you and they deserve justice for what they have been put through.
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