The decision to place a loved one in a long-term care facility is difficult. As families, we base such decisions on the expectation that the nursing home will provide a safe and caring environment with the level of care that our parents and family members deserve.
Common Red Flags of Nursing Home Neglect
Nursing home neglect occurs when the facility’s staff fails to fulfill their caretaking obligation. The caregivers demonstrate a lack of interest for the well-being of the resident and fail to provide basic necessities such as food, water, proper medication and supervision. They fail to take care of hygiene needs, sanitation and housekeeping.
The most common causes of nursing home injuries are falls, decubitus ulcers (pressure sores), dehydration, malnutrition, choking and sepsis. If your loved one has been neglected or mistreated, you may notice
- Abnormal weight loss
- Malnutrition, dehydration
- Bed sores and open wounds
- Soiled bedding and clothes
- Unsanitary resident’s room and bathroom
- Medications errors
- Desertion of the nursing home resident, or allowing the resident to wander unattended
- Unexplained injuries
- Any signs of physical or sexual assault of residents
Additionally, if you visit a loved one during regular visiting hours and you are refused or delayed access to them, this may be a sign that the nursing home is hiding something.
It is not uncommon for a nursing home to be insufficiently staffed. Nursing home caregiving staff can experience stress and dissatisfaction that can lead to actions of neglect. This can be compounded if they lack training, have too many responsibilities, are unsuited for caregiving work, or work under poor conditions.
For these reasons and more, it is important to visit your loved one in a nursing home as frequently as possible. You can communicate with the staff to make sure that the needs of your loved one are being taken care of.
