Our elders deserve the best care possible. Unfortunately, we are not able to look after them at all times when they are living apart from us in care facilities and nursing homes. For various reasons, such as fear of reprisal or diminished faculties, our family members may not be able to communicate to us the specific details about any neglect or abuse they are experiencing. Therefore it is up to us to keep a careful eye for some of the more common signs of nursing home neglect, and to stop any problems before they get worse.
MALNUTRITION
Seniors usually experience a decline in appetite as they get older, and often have trouble getting and absorbing enough nutrients. However, it is the nursing home staff’s responsibility to make sure their patients are getting enough food and hydration, and if there is a problem, to address it quickly. If your loved one complains often about thirst or hunger, be sure to inquire with the staff about it and make sure all the proper measures are being taken.
DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, FEAR
Getting older can be difficult, and is often accompanied by depression and mood swings. However, this can also be a sign of malnutrition, something off with medications, or worse, abuse. If your loved one seems abnormally down and afraid, it could be a sign that something is really wrong.
MYSTERIOUS PAIN OR UNEXPLAINED INJURIES
Older people can hurt themselves easily, by falling or cutting themselves, but many of these injuries can and should be prevented by an attentive staff. If you notice injuries that can’t or won’t be explained by the staff, something terrible could be happening. If your loved one has pains that are going untreated, make sure the doctors begin providing proper meds and therapy to address it.
BEDSORES
The more sedentary patients become, the more likely bedsores will occur. However, they can be prevented by changing bedding often, moving the patients so that they are not lying in the same position for too long, physical therapy, and exercise, even if only in minimal amounts. If bedsores are showing up there is a good chance that some form of neglect is occurring.
WRONGFUL DEATH
Indeed, nursing homes are often the place that elders spend their last days, but a preventable death is the worst case scenario. If your loved one passes away suddenly or unexpectedly, make sure you get all of the information about what happened. If you have any suspicion that the death was the result of abuse or neglect, contact us right away. If you have spotted any signs of neglect or abuse, or believe a case of wrongful death has taken place, contact us right away to set up a consultation, so that we can all of the information to help you protect your family. We will work hard to help remove your loved one from a dangerous situation, compensate your family for pain and suffering, and prevent any further abuse from happening to others. To best protect and advocate for your loved ones, it helps to know what to look for! We can help.