When the family makes the decision to place their senior loved one in a nursing home center, it is usually a decision based on the opinion that the facility they choose is going to provide the best health care for the elderly. Although these facilities are created to provide care, comfort, and safety for their residents, unfortunately, neglect can occur.
The fact is that any type of neglect is devastating primarily for the resident and then for his family, but sometimes neglect can lead to severe consequences for residents. That is why it is so important for families to stay vigilant and recognize the signs of neglect, so they can take swift action if needed.
Here’s a guide consisting of the key indicators of neglect, which should be helpful for family members to recognize and prevent neglect, but also explains how families can address this issue to protect their senior loved ones.
What Is Nursing Home Neglect?
Everyone probably knows what are the basic needs that a facility needs to provide for residents, from providing adequate food, hygiene, and medical care, to emotional support. When a facility fails to meet these basic needs that’s when neglect occurs. The difference between neglect and abuse is in intention. Abuse involves intentional harm, while neglect is often the result of understaffing, poor training, or inadequate management. But regardless of intent, the effects of neglect can be devastating for residents.
Physical Signs of Neglect
Families should check regularly on their seniors and look out for physical signs of neglect because they are the easiest to identify in an early phase. Here is what you should look out for:
- Bedsores or Pressure Ulcers
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Poor Hygiene
- Frequent Injuries.
Emotional and Behavioral Indicators
Although physical signs are the easiest to detect, you should look carefully at how your senior is expressing his emotions so you can notice if there is a change in his emotional/mental state. Pay attention to:
- Withdrawal or Depression: If you notice sudden mood changes like increased sadness or social isolation this can be a clear indicator of emotional neglect.
- Fearfulness or Anxiety: If your loved one seems unusually fearful or anxious, he/she might be experiencing neglect.
- Changes in Behavior: Any dramatic change in your loved one’s personality is an indicator of poor care.
Environmental Red Flags
This is a problem you can notice on time if you go and check the facility you are interested in before you make a decision. You should look for environmental red flags, which usually are:
- Unsanitary Conditions: Bad sanitary conditions are sometimes easy to notice, but sometimes at first everything seems fine. That is why you should check the whole facility, from common areas to bathrooms and bedrooms. If you notice some dirt, poor hygiene, or foul odors, this may signal neglect.
- Understaffing: Many facilities face understaffing problems and that can lead to neglect. Frequent turnover or visibly overwhelmed staff is a clear indicator of possible neglect.
- Inadequate Medical Equipment: Missing or malfunctioning medical supplies are indicators of a lack of resources.
How Families Can Address Nursing Home Neglect
If you notice any of the signs of neglect or you simply suspect neglect, make sure to take immediate legal action. This is crucial to ensure your loved one is safe. Here are the steps to follow:
- Document Your Observations: You should take notes, photographs, or videos of any sign of neglect you notice to build a record.
- Report Concerns to the Facility: If you suspect neglect but don’t see clear signs, you should definitely talk immediately with the nursing home administration about your concerns.
- File a Complaint: If the facility’s response is insufficient, you should file a formal complaint. For that, you could use help from the appropriate state or local regulatory agency.
- Seek Legal Advice: The best option for your loved one to achieve his rights and pursue justice is to hire professional legal assistance. The Nursing Home Law Center, which specializes in that type of case, is going to be a valuable resource for families and will navigate all the complexities of the case.
Preventing Neglect: Proactive Measures for Families
There are steps you can take as a family to prevent neglect. First of all, the most important decision you need to make is to choose the right nursing home. After you choose the facility, your work is not done. You need to stay involved in your loved one’s care, and you can do so with regular visits. If you visit your elderly often, it will be easier for you to monitor his overall well-being, but also to notice changes in his physical or emotional state.
Make sure to establish open communication with staff, and to choose a facility with open communication and transparency. In that way, you will be able to catch potential issues early.
Conclusion
Neglect in nursing homes is a serious issue that can lead to even more serious consequences. That is why your immediate attention is crucial for your loved one’s well-being. Make sure to watch out for red flags, and to look for signs of neglect like physical, emotional, and environmental signs. If you notice any of them, take steps to safeguard your loved one.
Seek professional legal assistance to demand your rights and hold the facility accountable.
William Gall is a seasoned attorney specializing in civil litigation and family law. With a legal career spanning over two decades, William has built a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to justice. In addition to practicing law, he is a prolific writer, contributing regularly to various legal blogs where he shares his insights on current legal trends, case law, and best practices. His articles are well-regarded in the legal community for their thorough research and practical advice, making complex legal concepts accessible to both legal professionals and the general public.